From being a cartoonist in popular Tamil magazine Ananda Vikatan to directing a film with Vijay today, Chimbu Devan has come a long way. Puli is his fifth film in 10 years and with a stellar star cast, this highly-anticipated fantasy drama is set to release on October 1.
Puli stars Vijay, Sudeep, Sridevi and Shruti Haasan in the lead roles. In an exclusive chat with dna, director Chimbu Devan talks about his latest film.
This movie is a different genre for Vijay.
My previous four films were all part of the fantasy genre be it Imsai Arasan 23m Pulikesi, Arai En 305-il Kadavul, Irumbukkottai Murattu Singam or Oru Kanniyum Moonu Kalavaniyum. But I wanted to make a film in the fantasy genre with a mass hero. Vijay liked the story very much when I narrate it to him. The first thing Vijay told me was this is a family entertainer and that kids would like it very much.
How was it working with him?
Every director should get the experience of working with Vijay. He gets very involved with the character. A creative person or creator can only do 80% of the work but it’s the artist who takes it to the next level. Vijay is a perfect artist. He made sure that he gave his 100% to each and every scene.
Is Vijay doing a dual role in Puli as rumoured?
(Laughs). People are saying he’s playing dual, triple and even four roles. We have not spoken about this at all. The audience will have to watch the film to find out.
Vijay, Sudeep and Sridevi are all stars in their one right. Were you nervous working with them?
Whether it’s Vijay, Sudeep or Sridevi, one important aspect is that they are all very down-to-earth. Despite being big stars, they got along so well with everyone, be it the preparation or discussing the scenes. It’s because they got along so easily, there were absolutely no complications on set. They had a good understanding and chemistry with each other. Since it was like we were all one big family, everything was easy for me as a director.
When you were writing the script, did you have all these particular stars in mind?
Absolutely! As I was penning the script, I knew I wanted Vijay, Sridevi and Sudeep for the project. In fact, after seeing Naan Ee, I had envisioned how Sudeep would play the role in Puli. When I met Sudeep to narrate the story, he told me that he wouldn’t be able to do the project but still heard the story. After listening to the story, he changed his mind and agreed to do the role.
Tell us about the music.
Devi Sri Prasad and Vairamuthu have worked on the songs. All the five songs are outstanding. The songs have the element of fantasy and are contemporary at the same time. That’s the specialty of the music in this film. Some of the songs will become a sure hit after the release of the film because of the visuals in the song. I believe that the Puli album will be one of the top music albums this year. Devi Sri Prasad’s involvement was extraordinary and as a friend, I’m extremely happy.
Now that Puli is releasing, has it met your expectations?
As a creative person, it is difficult to judge one’s project. But I believe that what I had envisioned in the script of Puli, I have brought it to life in the film. I think Puli is good family entertainer and that the audience will definitely enjoy it.
