New-age director Karthik Subbaraj is very confident about 'Mercury', which will hit the screens on April 13.  This silent movie stars Prabhu Deva in a negative role. In this interview, the director talks about the movie, its aspects, and more.  

What is the genesis of 'Mercury'?

Before talkie movies happened, only silent movies prevailed.  Even after talkie movies came into being, Kamal Haasan-Singeetham Srinivas Rao duo made the silent movie 'Pushpaka Vimana'.  I always wanted to do a movie sans dialogues ever since I became a director.  When I wanted to do a thriller, I mooted the idea of doing it as a silent one. That's how 'Mercury' was initially conceived.  The running time is less than 2 hours.  We are confident that the audience will be thrilled.  

I have made 'Mercury' to give the audience a new experience.   I too have been a part of the film's production.  The other producers were excited about the project because of the concept.  And since there is no language problem, it's going to be released in "all languages".  

What is the title justification?

Mercury is a chemical element.  There is the element of chemical poisoning in the movie. Organically, the film drives home the message that future generations will pay for the industrial chemical poisoning.  

There have been reports that it's inspired by some Hollywood movie.  Is it true?

'Mercury' has no inspiration as such.  The backdrop is that of a hill station.  And there is a unique premise.  It's thrilling right from the first scene.  Although many have compared it to a Hollywood thriller on watching the teaser, there is no resemblance whatsoever.  

The audiences are excited about Prabhu Deva's role in the movie.  What is in store?

Prabhu Deva is not just a great dancer but also a great actor who can essay any kind of role.  He has put up a unique performance in the movie.  We had no actor in the mind when the script was being written.  But we eventually wanted to cast someone who had never done such a role.  

And that's when we met with him.  He loved the script and his role and decided to do 'Mercury'.  His is a negative role in the movie.  The story takes place within a span of two days.  

Tell us about the other members of the cast.

Sananth Reddy, Deepak Paramesh, Indhuja, Shashank Purushotam, and Anish Padman will also be seen.  Remya Nambesan has a guest role.  I have no doubt that the film's storyline, making values and treatment will thrill the audience.  We are waiting for the audience's response.  

This being a silent film, what aspects became paramount?

Obviously, visuals and background score became crucial.  I must say that Santosh Narayan has rendered an excellent background score.  He took time to come up with the output.  As for the cinematography, Thiru's work is splendid.  He agreed to do the movie as soon as he listened to the script.  He shouldered half of our responsibility.  

'Mercury' being a silent film, is there still any controversy regarding its release in Tamil Nadu?

As you know, Kollywood has been striking.  There is a moratorium on the release of Tamil movies. However, non-Tamil movies have been released in the theatres.  Since 'Mercury' is a silent film, we are releasing it normally in our state.  There is no problem whatsoever ahead of its release in TN.  

When is your film with Rajinikanth going to floors?

It was a dream come true to bag the film with him.  I have been a big fan of sir.  The film's genre is action-drama.  Script work is going on.  It will go on the floors in another 2-3 months.

I make movies by coming out of the comfort zone.  

Do you watch Telugu movies?

I do follow Telugu movies.  I have liked 'Arjun Reddy' in recent past.  I loved the hero's performance and the treatment.