Indian cinema’s ace talent Kamal Hassan is set to mesmerize again with his next ‘Vishwaroop’ which has topped the controversy pages for Kamal ‘s decision of having a DTH release on Jan 10 before the actual theater release.. in a rare interview with indiaglitz Kamal - one of the leading method actor of Indian cinema speaks up on Vishwaroop, the DTH controversy and much more..

We see you less in Hindi?

Its my fault. I was busy making this film.

Is it the most ambitious project of yours?

It’s the most costly project and ambitious too by virtue by what we have tried to achieve and the ambition was realized because of the technicians. I have the best team working with me.

There were speculations about Deepika and Sonakshi joining the cast of Vishwaroop then why you later decided to go without star?

They (Deepika, Sonakshi) didn’t walk in the project we just negotiated. so many things happen when things don,t work out. The actor can say I don,t like the story, the actor can say I don’t like the money or can say I don’t have dates. In our case the dates didn’t match. This film is not about stars I would love to have stars in it but this film is about the content. Everybody else has to be the subservient about the content and even if you are a star you must understand that the content is big. I can only work with those kinds of people.

How you roped in filmmaker Shekhar Kapoor for the film?

It’s the trust and the friendship and it took just 5 minutes to approach him. It took me longer to hire other stars he didn’t talk about the money nothing he just walked in.

When was the last time you auditioned for a role?

I audition for a role almost every time even if I am producing it in a sense I keep trying and there are various tests going on not that I will be hired but I keep working till I earn the job.

Is your past box office failure is the reason behind the release of Vishwaroop on DTH platform?

There is no question of non takers in the regular theatre platform. Especially in south ‘Vishwaroop’ is the most expected film so the regular market is already ready. we would have walked away with bigger profits by the regular market.. I was not settling for bigger profit. What we are trying with DTH is a step ahead

What’s your take on the film industry obsession with 100 crores?

If Vishwaroop doesn,t cross 150 crore then it’s a failure for me. I would call it a weak attempt if it crosses 150 crores and we really hope that we cross in the first week itself.

What makes you so confident?

I am not arrogant I am just saying numbers. I am not talking about the content people will still have to like the film.

Most of the stars want to enter the 100 crore club.. Do you think somewhere down the line the magic of cinema, art, performance is missing in this race where everybody is turning businessman?

Most stars are a business man. The moment you become a star you are talking about money and fame. It’s not about the content or the artist’s skill anymore.

Earlier the week matters silver jubilee, golden jubilee but now the scenario is different?

Always the collection matters the reason why it took so many things to collect was because our distribution system was small and weak. The numbers of the theaters have now increased to match along with the population. Somewhere along the line we realized that we are not reaching to the number of audience.

How you see fan following in bollywood and Tamil film industry?

It is different. People are the same the love is unanimously the same but they keep telling it in different way. We have some religious rituals (pooja) happened when Amitji was unwell. They don’t make a big fuss about it here because not all are politicians over here. In south politics and cinema are very closely related that’s why you feel the difference.

At this point of time of your career have you achieved the desired?

If I have the sense of satisfaction I won’t be working or giving this interview. There is a lot more to be learnt and I am a dis-satisfied man. I am happy but not content. I came as a technician first and by default I became an actor I am happy not complaining.

Are you still competitive?

Of course all the time I feel the competition. I have competitors in various ages from 18 to 65.

What is your biggest achievement in your long career?

Achievements are decided by people and I think necessity is the mother of invention I live by the necessity somebody will call it as invention or achievement.

What scares you as an actor?

What scares me most is when I will lose my interest to perform and then I will have to find something else.

Any regrets?

Oh I have done 200 films so at least 175 film I can say (laugh)

What is next from you after this?

Vishwaroopam 2. The film is in shooting stage. We are shooting it in India with same starcast. It is a continuation.