‘The Onus is upon us to take Tamil cinema forward’

Kadaram Kondaan, one of the biggest releases of the year, will hit the screens on July 19. Akshara Haasan and Abi Hassan are promoting the film in full swing. The actors, who will be playing young couple Athira and Vasu, have been the talk of the town ever since the film’s trailer was unveiled by its producer Kamal Haasan last week. “To be a part of Raaj Kamal Films International’s 45th film is a blessing. Though it is my home production, I had the responsibility to deliver the best I had in me as an actor and not take it for granted. That has been there for me as well as Abi since our childhood. I also had the responsibility to take forward the Haasan legacy, and not ruin my reputation as an actor,” begins Akshara. While it is her fourth film across languages, Kadaram Kondaan is Abi’s debut movie. “This is extremely huge for me in all aspects and it is beyond a blessing for me. If I had made my debut with another film, pressure would have been there for sure because I would be known as Nasser’s son. However, being a part of Kadaram Kondaan doubled it up. But I ensured I kept it to myself because I didn’t want the pressure to ooze out and mess things up for me,” says Abi Hassan as Akshara nods.

Talking about playing Athira in the film, Akshara says, “I keep asking questions to the director about my character’s behaviour as the graph keeps elevating with each scene. That way it is easier to understand the character more and director Rajesh made it clear on what he wanted from me. Coming to Athira, she is a very delicate pregnant woman and at the same time, she is a woman of valour like any mother or woman when it comes to handling situations as you would have seen in the trailer.” “I’m happy that people too have accepted Vasu and Athira after watching the trailer. Their roles are crucial when it comes to the storyline,” seconds Abi. Kadaram Kondan has been talked about for its suaveness and visual grandeur on a par with Hollywood flicks. “We have been saying, Oru naal Tamil cinema Hollywood range ku poidum (One day Tamil cinema will reach Hollywood standards) But we shouldn’t forget that the onus to take it there rests with us. Raaj Kamal Films has been doing it and it has motivated me to do that,” Akshara says gushing about her dad.

Looking at their maturity and the clarity with which they answered questions, we asked if it was easier for them to carry that forward or was it their roles which had moulded them, Akshara immediately replied, “It’s a mix of both actually. Both life and character contributed to what I am now,” says Akshara. “I have gone through quite a few things personally and that got translated on the big screen through my character of Vasu,” adds Abi.

Talking about sharing screen space with Vikram, Abi says, “I grew up watching Vikram’s versatility and I used to tell my parents how he inspires me as an actor. I am glad that I got to act alongside him in my debut film.” Akshara is all smiles and says, “He is such a sweet person and the way he transforms himself for each role is amazing. It was great to observe him in close quarters.” On a concluding note, Akhara looks at the camera and asks Tamil audience not to encourage piracy and watch the film only in theatres. We then took them to our newsroom where Akshara and Abi proofed this page much to our colleagues’ surprise.

Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman on Monday, shared a recent picture of him with actor-filmmaker Kamal Haasan and wrote, “Happy and excited to collaborate with the one and only ikamalhaasan himself on a magnum opus... Watch this space for more @RKFI @lycaproductions #RKFI #lycaproductions.” Minutes later Kamal wrote, “Thanks ARR for strengthening the team with your participation.Very few projects feel good & right even as we develop it.Thalaivan Irukkindraan is one such.Your level of excitement for the project is very contagious.Let me pass it on to the rest of our crew @RKFI @LycaProductions.” The film is all set to go on floors soon and will be co-produced by RKFI and Lyca.