Beckoning fame

‘Jiththan' Ramesh is all set to prove himself with his upcoming 'Pillaiyar Theru Kadaisi Veedu'

‘Jiththan' Ramesh. Photo: Special Arrangement

He made a mark in his maiden film, Jiththan , a story of a hero with complexes. But his four choices that followed were fiascos, and Ramesh seemed to have gone into oblivion. “That's exactly why we've etched PTKV with utmost care. We've re-shot scenes we weren't very happy with and tried to present a flawless show. I can't afford a dampener. I have to prove myself this time,” is Ramesh's earnest stand.

His Pillaiyar Theru Kadaisi Veedu should be out in the next few days.

Ramesh will then move on to

Osthi in which he plays STR's brother. “I'm open to meaningful roles,” he says.

As of now, the prefix to his name is his identity. Mention it and

Jiththan Ramesh responds with a laugh, “It could well become PTKV Ramesh soon.”

After listening to nearly 60 scripts, it was with a sense of frustration that Ramesh sat down for a similar session with Thirumalai Kishore.

“Within a few minutes of his narration I sat bolt upright. So impressive was the line,” remembers Ramesh. Kishore, who proved his creative acumen as writer of Telugu hits, such as

Bommarillu and

Munna , dons the mantle of director for the first time.

“A maiden attempt is bound to have its share of slips, but I find none in PTKV . Kishore has done a great job,” complimented well-known maker Jananathan, after watching the film.

Ramesh's role has already kindled interest — in PTKV he is a fan of T. Rajendar! “We wanted somebody different — not the common youngster who hero-worships Rajni or Kamal. So we plumped for TR. But at the same time we've been careful not to upset Mr. Rajendar,” smiles Ramesh.

He plays a wastrel who turns responsible later. In the company of Suri — more remembered for the ‘parota' scene in Vennila Kabbadi Kuzhu — the first part of PTKV will be a laugh riot, promises Ramesh. “But the emotion in the last 20 minutes is bound to impact viewers,” he says. “When the scene was shot, camera person Panneerselvam and his assistant became so involved that their eyes turned moist, and they didn't hear Kishore shout, ‘Cut.'”

Sanchita Padukone is the heroine of PTKV , which also has Ilavarasu, Prakash Raj and Jayaprakash bolstering up the show.

Ramesh is an agile dancer. His footwork has been a highpoint in all his films so far.

“Yeah, the opening number will have me doing a fast-paced jig. Chakri, from Telugu, is the composer. The song, ‘Osiyila Sarakadichu Ohonu Irundhaen,' is popular already,” says Ramesh. I burst out laughing at the lyric and Ramesh joins me. “Kishore wrote the lines, funny na ?”

Is that why it is his caller tune? “Yep, it's my favourite now.”

“ PTKV is much more than a re-entry for me. It's a new lease of life. So give me your honest opinion,” Ramesh told his friends in the industry — Arya, Vishal, Jayam Ravi and others — when he invited them over for a special screening of PTKV . Everyone felt it is by far Ramesh's best film. “ PTKV is going to rock,” they said. Jiiva had pointed out negatives in Ramesh's earlier films. “This film's great,” he told his brother.

“I plan to pass on my mobile number to viewers who wish to talk me about PTKV . I don't want just compliments. Genuine feedback is all I expect,” he says.

Will he be able to handle it? “I hope so,” is the reply.