Priyadarshan out of Kamal's film C Sundar steps in to helm the road caper

Subhash K Jha

It was the most talked about project in Tamil cinema. Kamal Haasan and Madhavan to be directed by Priyadarshan in a film written by Kamal Haasan.

Entitled Ambesivam, the two hero road movie about love, loss and atonement was, according to R Madhavan, "The best thing to have happened to all of us. Just the honour of sharing the screen with Kamal Sir makes me go weak in the knees."

Kamal Haasan, who has just completed his new comedy Panchathantram with director K Ravi Kumar, confirms that Priyadarshan is now out of Ambesivam.

"Priyan is no longer directing the project. He wanted to direct me in a much bigger project. So he is working on a script about class conflict. Ambevisam will now be directed by C Sunder. We are going on the floors in July."

Sundar, actress Khushboo's filmmaker-husband, has a string of hits to his credit. He recently directed Rajnikanth in Arnachalam. Says Kamal, "Like Priyan, being directed by Sundar would be a new experience for me. I am looking forward to working with him and Madhavan. As for Priyan, neither of us is running away anywhere."

Madhavan, whose latest Tamil film Run is being readied, says, "Frankly, I am disappointed about not being directed by Priyan. But I am sure the new setup will be just as exciting."

Priyadarshan for his part is now working on completing his Tamil film, Lesa Lesa.