Sri: How did you choose '
Colors' Swathi for the heroine?
Sasikumar: We searched almost hundred photos scouting for our heroine. Particularly keeping in mind the song
konTe chooputO..., nee konTe chooputO..., we were looking for someone with beautiful, expressive eyes. That was when I saw the film
Aadavaari Maatalaki Arthaale Verule, where she was not the heroine but I could see that she'd be the right choice for my film. So, with much difficulty we got her contact and my manager contacted her. She refused the offer outright, saying she didn't know anything about Tamil films or language or culture. I was insistent and so was she! Finally, she agreed to come down to Chennai just to say no to the project. When she came and saw the huge poster on the office wall with just her eyes, she liked it immediately and agreed to do the film and signed the agreement! Then, she listened the song and was really thrilled. The manager then introduced me as the film's director, and it came as a shock to her as she expected the director, as generality has it, would be over 40 years old. She readily gave her dates even at times when there was only short notice for our shoot, and things went on smoothly from there.
Sri: How did you select the hero Jai?
Sasikumar: Jai already did another film in the past. I saw him in
Chennai 600028 and felt that he'd suit the role. [Jai actually debuted in the film
Bhagavathi, but got recognition with
Chennai 600028.] I asked him to put on 10 kg for the role. He agreed, and got ready in a month. He really suited the role and acted well too.
Sri: Indeed! But, compared to him, you look wooden in some scenes...!
Sasikumar: Oh, yeah, and that's because of my character in the film is not emotional or expressive. The characterization demands that I'd be reserved and calm-going. The reasons for such an attitude are shown after Jai's death. I did what I am supposed to do to fit in the role, I could say.
Sri: Where did you find the music director James Vasanthan?
Sasikumar: He happens to be my music teacher at my school in Kodaikanal. He did such an excellent job that I am totally impressed with his work.
