Kamala Hassan’s films get embroiled in controversies with unfailing regularity. The latest example is Uthama Villain . The Tamil Nadu unit of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) wants a ban, saying a song in the film hurts the sentiments of Vishnu devotees. Its director, Ramesh Arvind , denied the allegation during a conversation with Muralidhara Khajane . “Uthama Villain has nothing that hurts the sentiment of Hindus,” he said, adding that the film will hit over 1,500 screens across the world on May 1. Kerala and Karnataka will get the Tamil version with English subtitles. Excerpts from the conversation:
What is your reaction to the VHP’s allegation and demand for a ban on the film?
I learnt about their demand through the media. It came on the day the Central Board of Film Certification issued a ‘U’ certificate. The CBFC did not find anything objectionable either in the content or in the visuals. In fact, CBFC members appreciated the way the subject has been treated and human relations respected. That says it all.
The film is not about God or religion. It is about the feelings of a superstar. In fact, there is an episode of Hiranyakandam in the film where Kamal Hassan essays the role of Hiranyakashipu and utters what Hiranyakashipu has said all these years in mythology, folklore, village theatre, Amar Chitra Katha and black-and-white films. It is not something invented by us. Likewise, Prahlada also retaliates. In fact, it is just a song. I don’t see any problem. I really don’t know what is bothering the VHP.
Why do you think trouble and controversies plague Kamal Hassan?
It is really unfortunate for an artist of his calibre… But, in this case, I am sure that the VHP will understand the rationale. There is a misunderstanding somewhere.
Has the film’s release been delayed by the controversy?
The delay is definitely not because of the controversy or fear of the Indian Premier League, as some have said. The film got the CBFC certificate on Tuesday. I asked for at least three weeks’ time for preparation and promotion, for which Kamal, who earlier planned to release the film on April 2, readily agreed. The controversy is just a coincidence.
Uthama Villain is completely different from the film you directed before!
Kamal and I were discussing making a film with title Bitter Chocolate for long. In the meanwhile, he came up with this script. Kamal’s script attracted me because of the way it deals with human relations. When Kamal asked me to direct the film I thought it is a fantastic idea and I stopped whatever I was doing except Weekend with Ramesh project. I felt, this film will give me a big leap in my career. Uthama Villain is miles ahead of the films I have made all these years. This is the biggest thing that happened in my life. This was the kind of film I always wanted to make.
Did you found it difficult to handle a galaxy of talents?
It is not an easy thing to handle stalwarts including Kamal Hassan, K. Balachander, K. Vishwnath, Urvashi, Jayaram, and other equally talented artistes. Besides being an advantage, it was a challenge too for a director. Look at even the technical crew, which was at my disposal. I was supposed to deal with makeup man from Korea, stuntman from Istanbul, my re-recording happened in Bulgaria, mixing was at Los Angeles, my cameraman is from Kerala, costume designer from Andhra Pradesh... Besides handling such a highly talented crew, I faced the challenge of dealing with different cultures. It was an unforgettable experience.
What was your state of mind while directing stalwarts including your mentor KB, your close pal Kamal Hassan and K. Vishwanath?
It was an honour and privilege. When KB was directing Sundara Swapnagalu, my debut film, Swati Mutyam starring Kamal Hassan was released. KB asked me to go and watch that film to understand what acting and direction really means. Unfortunately, Utham Villain turned out to be last film of my mentor. What a coincidence! It is my first directorial venture in Tamil and last film of KB...
All the three are great craftsmen besides commanding respect as directors. They understand the importance of the director’s chair. The respect KB and K. Vishwanath offer for directors really humbled me. Throughout the film, KB used to call me "director sir." Initially I was feeling odd, but he really meant that.... They went out of their way to be just actors on the set. When I met K. Vishwanath, I told him “I respect your work. You can tell me anything you want. But, I have a particular vision of the film. If your suggestion matches my imagination, I will take it and not otherwise." He agreed.
As far as Kamal is concerned, I wish to have more Kamals on the set, because of the value addition he makes. It is not Kamal the actor alone. It is the fantastic mind which is on the set. Similarly KB’s mind is a great value addition for the film.
Was adapting Theyyam art form a conscious decision?
Kamal wanted to go for a folk art form. What I knew was Yakshagana, the art of my backyard. When he showed Theyyam art form, it was very close to what we were talking about. We opted for that because it has visual and colour appeal. It is a different kind of Hiranyakashipu and Prahlad people would see on the screen.
What were the challenges faced in handling a film which has two different period?
It was handling properties, sets and costumes that bothered me most, when depicting eighth century. While handling 20th century, I faced challenge in getting the acting and emotions right, as it is a emotional drama. The greater challenge was blending both the period in a single story.
What is the quintessential thing of Uthama Villain?
Apart from entertainment quotient, the film has an interesting message, which nobody can refute. There is life and truth in that.
