Manirathinam is a man of few words. He lets his movies do all the talking.

With Guru set for release this Pongal, Manirathinam has opened his heart out on the movie and his forthcoming plans.

Speaking about Guru, the director said that it is a movie that traces the life of two characters. The film is an account of the events that occur in their life from their teens till they grow old. Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai play couples while Mithun Chakraborthy is cast as a veteran journalist. Madhavan plays a cub reporter under the tutelage of Mithun Chakraborthy. Vidya Balan plays his wife.

The movie has six songs. “It is my 20th directorial venture,” he said.

Manirathinam says, “All the artistes have lived the characters. The story begins in 1950 and is set around Mumbai.” What next? Manirathinam says, “Once I complete a movie, I take rest for the next six months and spend my time with my son Nandha.”

On rumours that Mani would soon direct a Hollywood movie, the director in his usual style, said, “Why should I, when Hollywood movies are turning towards India?”

One of the few directors to have emerged a successful producer,

Manirathnam said, “It is for my comfort that I became a producer. I need not compromise when I direct my own movie.”