Mysskin holds a unique place amongst South India's most distinguished directors of new era. Well, such a brilliant filmmaker was merely little known when he commenced his directorial venture. And today we have this auteur topping the charts… With his 'Nandhalala' slated to hit screens on March 20, Mysskin brimmed with excitements for his on-screen debut speaks about story behind his new avatar and more on this flick…

Earlier, you were quite hard-pressed when leading actors refused to play lead in 'Nandhalala'. Could you zero down on the exact reason?

On the button, 'Nandhalala' is a poignant tale about pragmatic life very close to everyone's heart. As our actors prefer larger than life roles, they felt it wasn't an apt one for them. Of course, 'Reality Really Bites' and they weren't on for such themes. But I am so thankful for them as they were responsible for my new incarnation as an actor. Indeed, I am so grateful to them.

With no superstars on title cards, only a gripping screenplay will keep it going on the screens. Does your 'Nandhalala' carry such attributes?

It was a great challenge and very difficult penning a unique screenplay. Usually, a 'Road Movie' wouldn't have more conflicts. On contrastive grounds, it's about inventing conflicts. And precisely, if this screenplay wins among the audiences, hopefully I would gain more respectful status here in film industry.

You seem to have been more impressed by Master Ashwath.

I haven't seen such a boy with fantastic potentials. His dedication and insatiable passion for acting urged him to complete every shot within a take or two. Ashwath underwent auditioning of one month and he could grasp everything with an ease.

Did Rohini shave her head for this project?

Yes, when I narrated the script and her characterization, she was keen on performing it with best. Her role would be one of the highlighting factors in this film.

Maestro Illayaraja – The Olympian; has he spelled something exceptional here?

Uh-huh! For the first time, he has used the instrument Oboe for background scoring. I had once heard the instrument in Hollywood movie 'Machine'. This musical instrument is so soothing that it's sure to get everyone transfixed on enchanting background score.

Looks like Illayaraja was upset over your elimination of songs.

Illayaraja had tuned 5 spellbinding melodies as I narrated my script. But as I glimpsed through first copy, only couple of songs were suitable for the screenplay and no options was left. Fine! Illayaraja was quite upset over this issue and then as he viewed the film, he could realize my work.

With few characterizations involved in the script, how do dialogues get on with them?

'Silence' is the most commonly occurring ones here in this film. There wouldn't be any complicated compositions. Everyone's dialogues have been rendered with finesse and audiences will love it.

Enacting the role of a dim-witted character isn't an easy task. Did you get on with more home work?

This flick centers on a grown-up man with childish nature in heart. Much before the film started rolling; I had spent nearly a month at Kilpauk Medical Hospital for mentally challenged patients. I would regard this shooting period as the most memorable moments in my life.

Presenting Snightha on a conventional role…

The actress was mind-boggling with her performance and her deep involvement with her role and film drove her for the best show.

'Nandhalala' – how does it define human relationships?

The film is all about how good we people are. An unforeseen touch of motherly affection has been depicted. It would be big exploration about human relationships and emotions.

Mysskin as a voracious reader has urged many of your ardent fans about the books that inspired you.

(Smiles) I am not focused on particular genre of books. Right from my childhood, I kept glancing through pages of many books. David's 'On Direction', 'Art of Dramatic Writing', Robert Mickey's 'The Story', David's 'Three Uses of Knives', Frank Marshal's books, Akira Kurusowa's autobiography, Book on Alfred Hitchcock's 18 hrs interview. I love reading 'Fairy Tales', 'Pancha Thanthiram', Brudo's 'Uses of Enchantment'.

Are you sure Tamil Cinema will make it big in the pages of World Cinema.

The day isn't so far and will happen soon when the entire world will yearn to make a film as ours.

Well, on World Cinema. The films that you keep watching repeatedly…

Akira Kurusowa's Seven Samurai and Satyajit Ray's 'Pather Panchali' inspired me a lot and I keep watching them repeatedly over and over again.

Evergreen Tamil films of your pick.

Director Sridhar's 'Kadhalika Neramillai' and Nenjil Oru Aalayam.