For those Telugu fans who like their films to be serious and sensible without the trappings of senseless masala items, Kamal Haasan films have been a good bet.

Though most of his films are released only as dubbed ones there (the flavor gets lost), Kamal's movies always enjoy a huge market there. He is one actor (and director?) who can deliver artistic excellence within the matrix of commercial cinema. His recent Pothuraja is a good example.

Many serious film buffs were, however, wondering when he would make a direct Telugu film.

Well, the answer to this question is soon. The actor who turned 51 last Sunday said his home production, Rajkamal, would soon produce a direct Telugu film.

That is a piece of information that would warm the cockles of every film fan's heart there.

Another piece of info on Kamal is that the first time ever he recently confessed to be having a live-in relationship with actress Gowthami. Though he did not say this in as many words, he recently told an interviewer that he was very happy and contended with the lady whom he was sharing a relationship with.

As far as the identity of the lady goes, he said the entire Chennai knows that.

And everyone certainly knows that the woman was Gowthami, the Andhra-born actress.