After lying in the cans for nearly two decades due to a significant financial deficit to fund the project, the prospects of Kamal Haasan reviving his ambitious, long-gestating Marudhanayagam looks rosy now. Yes, Ulaga Nayagan, as he is fondly called by his fans in Tamil Nadu, has confirmed in a recent interaction that London-based Lyca Productions, who recently set base in Chennai and lined up a bevy of projects in Tamil including the Rajinikanth, Akshay Kumar-starrer 2.o, is ready to bankroll Marudhanayagam.
Subaskaran, Chairman of Lyca Group, has told me, ‘If you just make a phone call and say ‘Yes’, we can start Marudhanayagam anytime’. But, the massive logistics involved in the film as far as the pre-production work is concerned is quite exhaustive. Just because Subaskaran is willing to produce the film doesn’t mean I can play around with his funds without proper planning and execution.Kamal Haasan
“If I start Marudhanayagam now, it will take more than a year to complete the film. So, we are joining hands for a different project now. Lyca is co-producing the film with Raaj Kamal Film International,” clarified Kamal Haasan.
Kamal Haasan has put his bi-lingual project Amma Appa Vilayattu with director Rajeev Kumar on the back burner for the time being. However, Rajeev Kumar will wield the megaphone for this yet-untitled project which also co-stars Shruti Haasan, who will be seen playing the role of Kamal Haasan’s daughter. The story for the film will be penned by Kamal Haasan.
“This film will be majorly shot in the U.S. We wanted to go on the floors soon, but Shruti asked for more time due to her prior commitments. So, we are planning to roll from April,” says Kamal Haasan.
Shruti is a successful actress not because she is my daughter but because of her immense talent. She can compose music for a full-length feature film. How many contemporary actresses can boast that ability? She is a prolific dancer. Her writing skills are proficient, though the language is English. All these will definitely help her in the latter stages of her career.Kamal Haasan
Kamal Haasan also confirmed that he will be working on an action flick with director Rajesh M Selva, who made his debut with Thoongavanam.
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)