Vikram, Karthi & Jayam Ravi On Working With Mani Ratnam

In a recent interview with GOODTiMES, Vikram, Karthi and Jayam Ravi talk about their experience of working with director Mani Ratnam, getting into their characters, their expectations from the film and much more in conversation with GOODTiMES’ Puja Talwar. 

Ponniyin Selevan I abbreviated as PS1 is a Mani Ratnam directorial Tamil-language period action drama film that is an adaptation of a 1955 novel written by Kalki Krishnamurthy with the same name. Based in the 10th century, the story of the film revolves around the ‘Chola’ dynasty that prospered across the southern part of India under the reign of Emperor Sundara Chozhar. The story goes forward as the rightful heir to the throne, crown prince Aditha Karikalan gets in a conflict with Madurantakan who wants to take over the throne.

When the actors were asked what it was like to work with Mani Ratnam and getting a master class in acting while working in Ponniyin Selvan I. Karthi responded to the question by saying- “I started my career as an Assistant Director with Mani sir. He is very nice to actors so you can get away by asking even the stupidest of questions because he will be nice and he will try to explain. It is important that actors are in their best mindframe when they are in front of the camera. Even when we were AD’s for him he always used to tell us to always keep our actors comfortable because they will give more when they are comfortable. I always admire the way he prepares himself and searches for that one thing which makes it more real. He wants the spontaneity when you are saying the dialogue.”

Answering the same question, actor Jayam Ravi said that- “The best thing is that Mani sir will never make you feel like a newcomer, that’s his best quality. He will talk to us as if he has known us for 10 years. Lately I am getting a picture of Mani sir like I am a small boy and my guru Mani sir is taking my hand and is walking me forward. His grip is strong when I try to deviate, his grip is soft when I am parallel with him and when I go forward he lets me go and lets me go. He is a guru and a master for me and new actors like me. This is like a treasure, I will take these learnings with me.”

The actors also talked about their fandom, working with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, why there are very few movies on narratives like this and much more.