Will Kamal's light-hearted stunt pay off?

Subhash K Jha

The music by Devaa is a veritable rage. It's time for Kamal Haasan to turn another page.

His latest comedy flick Pamal K Sambandham, directed by Mowli, was released on Monday, January 14 -- a Pongal release.

After viewing the first married copy of Pamal K Sambandham, Kamal Haasan says, "Yes, it was time for another comedy. My audience actually waits for my light-hearted films, especially since my last film Aalavandhan (Abhay, in Hindi), was serious.

"Incidentally, contrary to what the press in Mumbai and Chennai has been reporting Aalavandhan isn't a failure in Tamil Nadu. In fact, it has become quite a rage with the youth. I heard about collegians trying to move their necks like my character Nandu. Kids are getting their heads shaved off, a la Nandu, much to the chagrin of the parents who tell their children, 'It’s okay for Kamal Haasan to snip off his hair. He does it every once in a while.' Yes, I think Aalavandhan is well on its way to becoming a substantial profit earner. Too bad Abhay was botched up in the North," he continues.

For Pamal K Sambandham, Kamal Haasan dons a new look: "I play a rich man who moonlights as a stunt person in films just because he enjoys doing so. I've lost the eight kilos I had put on for Aalavandhan though some of brawn from the previous film still spills over into this one."

Kamal Haasan describes Pamal K Sambandham as a more conventional comedy. "Crazy Mohan and I have collaborated on ten other comedies. All of them except one have been successful," he says.

Pamal K Sambandham is special on many counts. It is the first film where Kamal gets together with the sizzling Simran. The actor is all praise for his new costar. "She's a thorough professional. No fuss, absolutely punctual and hassle-free. She reminds me of Khushboo with her level of professionalism.

"She tried to understand the spirit of her character and the film and went along with it. Even the way the dialogue is delivered is very important to the dialectics of a film.

He goes on: "Being in tune with the film is more important than giving a brilliant performance. That team spirit was very important in Pamal K Sambandham as we had an ensemble cast comprising some of Tamil cinema's best. Such a film needs to go more by instinct than logic. Simran understood that. Interestingly, we both play two-in-one roles. We encompass both the protagonist and antagonist."

Kamal Haasan feels Pamal K Sambandham is a more accessible and linear comedy than Thenali: "Making Pamal K Sambandham was great. I'm grateful to the entire team. One false note could have ruined the entire mood. One grain of extra salt could have ruined the dish. Fortunately this comedy has been spiced just so."