After a lot of debate, uncertainties, and apprehensions, director Venkat Prabhu has finally launched his fourth film, Mankatha, with Ajith and Nagarjuna. The film, which was officially launched on August 2, is also Ajith’s 50th film.
“I had known Ajith from the time I worked with him in Ji and we’ve been good friends till date. He would always watch my films before it hit the screen and give his feedback. The two of us kept talking about how we should do a film together, but things have fallen into place only now. Call it a game of destiny! After a long delay, I end up making thala’s 50th film! He completed 18 years in cinema on August 2 and since it was also aadi perukku, an auspicious day, we decided to shoot the trailer of the film on that day,” begins Venkat.
So, what’s this film all about? “It’s a commercial film and will surely strike a chord with the audience. It’s a fresh script - an action adventure, a tale of friendship. Mankatha is a simple game of probability that not everyone wins. There’s hope, betrayal and loss. Similarly, this movie is also about a group of people who are hell-bent on winning a game. But, destiny has its own plan,” he reveals.
Mankatha is Nagarjuna’s straight Tamil film after Ratchagan. Revealing how he roped in the Telugu superstar, he says, “Nag Chaitanya is a good friend of mine. I narrated the story of Mankatha and told him it would be nice if his father could play one of the lead roles. Nag also liked the script and introduced me to his father. When Nagarjuna heard the story, he was thrilled about being a part of it. In fact, he was so eager that I decided to make the film in Tamil and Telugu.”
The film also has Manoj Manchu, Ganesh Venkatraman, Premgi and newcomer Mahaat in the lead. “Manoj, who was supposed to do Vaanam, is also a part of this film. Because of a problem in his shoulder, he was reluctant to commit himself to any projects. But, I convinced him and now, he will get his surgery done after finishing work on my movie,” he adds.
So, who will be playing the female lead? “I’ve worked on different lines for this movie. There were reports that Neetu Chandra and Lakshmi Rai were signed to play the female lead. But nothing’s confirmed as yet because I want to firm up the script first,” he answers diplomatically.
The film has started rolling amidst many controversies. Though a little reluctant, Venkat is confident the film will wow everyone. “The project was finalised after many a misunderstanding. Now, I’ve a huge responsibility. All my three films were with my boys, but this one is with big stars and I have to satisfy their fans. Also, over the years, I’ve formed my own audience for my films. I have to keep them happy as well,” he says with a smile.
Venkat says this project has kept everyone on their toes. “My producer Durai Dayanidhi Azhagiri even postponed the production of his other projects so that he can concentrate on this. And Yuvan has already started composing tracks. We will begin shooting by September. While the first schedule will be in India, three important sequences will later be canned abroad. The film will be treated on the lines of Bourne Ultimatum and the audience will see dry land, snowfalls, lush green fields, and buzzing traffic in every alternative frame,” he signs off.
Source: Times of India (Dated: 10-8-2010)
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