Post the mega success of ‘Kanchana 2’ we caught up with the very vibrant Actor-Director Raghava Lawrence for an exclusive interview and here he opens up about his success, the truth about possibly directing superstar Rajinikanth and much more. Here we go.
What is your reaction to ‘Kanchana 2’ becoming a super hit?
I believe it is God given as I expected a hit but not to this level and even in Telugu too it is a blockbuster which is shocking even to me and it has given me the added responsibility for my next film. Usually I am not overexcited about hits or down in the dumps for flops. I maintain a degree of equilibrium.
Are You going to make your next film with Rajinikanth?
Something we can tell out, but some things have their own time for revelation. It is too premature to talk about it now. When everything is confirmed, then we can release the news, which is good for both me and the project.
But are you in talks with Rajinikanth?
That is what the media has reported and I don’t want to lie about it. Yes, I am talking with sir, but the confirmation should come from sir that is only appropriate.
Do you have a script ready for the Superstar? Is it going to be a Horror Comedy too?
Yes, I do have the script ready and in fact two scripts ready for Rajini sir, one is a action script and there is an idea of making ‘Muni 3’ also. Rajini sir, will excel in comedy and it is very exciting to imagine him in ‘Muni 3’. I have left it to sir and will be happy with whatever decision he takes.
What is your next project about?
After ‘Kanchana 2’, I have not really given a thought about my next project and since Rajini sir called me and spoke, my mind is totally focused on that. After I get a result, whether the superstar project is a yes or no then I will start thinking about another project.
There is also another rumor that you are going to do the Hindi remake of ‘Kanchana 2’?
I wanted to do ‘Kanchana’ in Hindi but many heroes I approached were hesitant to act with the saree and also demanded that the climax song be removed completely. I wrote the script with such passion that I could not agree for any compromise. Now that ‘Kanchana 2’ is such a big hit many offers are coming my way. As I said earlier my next step depends on the answer I get from Superstar.
All your films are doing very well what is your formula for success…?
The formula is to satisfy Children and family audiences. Nobody tried comedy in horror and when I tried
it ladies came to the theatre. In the olden days films used to become huge hits because of family audiences. But nowadays certain films cater to youth audience and once that is exploited then the film stops and some films are for a mature audience. My aim is to satisfy all the sections of the audiences.
What was Rajinikanth’s reaction after watching ‘Kanchana 2’?
He saw the film and called me home and the first question he asked me was how did all the getups suit your face you are great and also conveyed his wishes to Nithya Menen and Tapsee. He asked to see the film on the second day itself and we arranged it at his home. Sir calls me often and he takes so much pleasure in my success. It is an honor to me that such a great person has become a fan of my work and encourages me so much.
Director Shankar has tweeted about ‘Kanchana 2’. Did he call you?
Yes Shankar sir called me and appreciated me for doing the child song and also loved Kovai Sarala’s
performance. He called me multitalented and told me that my next film will even surpass this one.
What about Vijay?
Vijay sir called me home and told me that the film is very good and also congratulated me on the big opening. We are both good friends and he told me that after this there should not be any gap in my career and I should do films continuously. I said ok.
How do you bring Ladies and Children to the theatre?
Ladies love sentimental scenes like the Nithya Menen’s role of a handicapped girl and how after her marriage is called off and someone loves her again. The whole movie there is also a ‘thali’ sentiment and then the old lady getup and the child getup is loved by the lady audiences. Tapsee is known for modern and glamour, but her her performance as a possessed girl went well with women. The biggest reason is of course the presence of Kovai Sarala for the audience totally saw the film through her eyes that is they got scared when she got scared and they laughed when she cracked a joke.
Is Nativity between Tamil and Telugu the same? What is the reason for the film doing so well in Telugu?
Emotions and comedy are the same everywhere . If you see Shankar sirs films he will have the right mix of both which was the reason that they were big hits everywhere and he also had a strong social message in the undercurrent. One more plus for me is that I have done many films in Telugu and so I know the pulse of that audience and I keep that in mind when I write the screenplay. That is why I cast Nithya Menen, Tapsee and Kovai Sarala who are famous in both languages.
Nithya Menen has praised ‘Kanchana 2’ more than ‘Ok Kanmani’. Your comments on that?
Some websites have told that and Nithya Mining has also praised me, but in front of Mani sir, I am just like a spec of dust under his toe and I am not at all pleased by comparisons with such a legend. Whatever I do, I can never become him. ‘OK Kanmani’ is doing great in many places some like the UK even better than ‘Kanchana 2’ which is the truth.
What about the blood and the gore?
I try to keep it to a minimum. In this film when Mottai Siva dies, everyone will be possessed and start cutting themselves up.
