He likes working on one project at a time, enjoys working with professionals and loves keeping secrets. Of course, he wouldn't agree to the last one. Queries about his films fail to elicit detailed responses, but eventually actor Madhavan opens up, “It's not about being secretive. But there is a confidentiality clause we all have to adhere to. More important, this is a survival thing. There is a dramatic loss for the industry when the storylines and character sketches are revealed to the public before the release of a film. Take the example of ‘3 Idiots'. Everyone knew it was based on the book but, beyond that, nothing. It added to the surprise of watching a film unfold.” Point taken.
Madhavan is, at present, shooting in Kapurthala in Punjab for the final parts of his next film “Tanu Weds Manu” by director Aanand Rai along with Kangna Ranaut. The shoot that's to be wrapped up by the end of the month was delayed when Kangna hurt her leg. “It's been hectic filming this movie as Kangna hurt herself but it's been fun. The worst part is we are shooting when summer is at its peak with the mercury hovering between 46º C and 50º C. And we were actually supposed to shoot in winter,” he laughs.
As opposed to speculation that the film is a comedy, the actor says it's a romantic drama. “The film is set in various small towns of India. It moves between Kapurthala, Lucknow and Jalandhar. Both Kangna and I thought it was a refreshing story of love coming from the smaller cities. Most movies nowadays focus on love in urban areas, so there is a different connotation to it. ‘Tanu Weds Manu' speaks instead about love between two individuals who are modern for their small cities. I think the movie will give a new dimension to our perception of the small town.”
He is also all praise for his co-star. “Kangna is a fabulous person to work with. She's always on time and though she's injured and in pain, she never delays the shoot or makes a hue and cry about it.”
Another exciting project
Come June, Madhavan has another exciting project awaiting him. After teaming up with Kamal Haasan in 2003 for “Anbe Sivam”, which was acclaimed by the critics, he has a new offer to work with him again in a Tamil film. “I am definitely excited. Kamal is such a wonderful actor and a great professional to work with,” he says. Asked whether his expectation about this yet-to-be-titled film is high and he is quick to respond, “The only expectation I have is working again with Kamal. I was waiting for this opportunity!”
Isn't life after “3 Idiots” very different for the actor, especially in Bollywood? “Besides increased popularity and love, I'm looked upon with a lot of reverence post the film. I've always got a stream of offers in Hindi films but now filmmakers respect me as one of the ‘3' Idiots. However, if you want to know if there has been an offer similar to ‘3 Idiots', I'd say no. I am still waiting,” he says.
WATCH OUT!
For those who can't get enough of Madhavan, get ready for Junior Maddy. For the first time ever, the actor's five-year-old son Vedaant will be part of a soon-to-be-revealed public service message. “He's not acted in it. But he's present in the film.”
