I read the article by Kamal Haasan “Of course Velu Nayakan doesn’t dance” (Magazine, Oct. 21) and the rejoinder “Living in past glory” (Oct. 28) by filmmaker Muktha V. Srinivasan on the making of Nayakan . I too am connected with the film industry although I am nowhere near Mr. Srinivasan in terms of experience and output. As one who was in a position to advise both Kamal Haasan, my brother, and Mani Ratnam, my son-in-law, I did advise them on film-making on many occasions. Had they listened only to me, they would not have attained this level of success. Film-making changes with times and it is our duty, as senior citizens, to accept that. The next generation always does better.
S. Charuhasan,
Chennai
If Kamal Haasan’s article provided readers an insight into the nitty-gritty of the making of Nayakan 25 years ago, the producer’s rejoinder gave us a clearer picture. There is no doubt that Kamal Haasan is a refined actor with great talent. But his obsession with Hollywood has been quite evident in the films that he has made and acted in after Nayakan .
P. Parthasarathi,
Berhampur
I am a die-hard fan of Kamal Haasan but I thought his article, which singled out the producer for fault-finding, was not in good taste. Nayakan was, after all, a resounding success. Mr. Srinivasan’s response was dignified.
As a producer, he may have been a bit conservative and cautious in his approach which is understandable. But one thing that is obvious from the two articles is — every film has a story other than what we see on the silver screen.
V. Lakshmanan,
Tirupur
