Last year, Thiagarajan Kumarappa's Tamil film Aaranya Kaandam won the Grand Jury award at the South Asian Film Festival in New York. The film was produced by S P B Charan.

The Censor Board, however, asked the producer to make 52 cuts in the film, so Charan took the film to the Central Tribunal in Delhi.

Charan spoke to A Ganesh Nadar about the Censor Board issue, and why he likes working with new directors.

After making commercial films, why did you decide to make a film for the festival circuit?

I made it like all my other films. There was no intention of making it only for the festival circuit. The script was good, so we decided to send it to the festival circuit.

The film won the Grand Jury award at the South Asian Film Festival in New York. Did you go to collect the award?

Yes, I was there. It was a small function. There were a lot of big actors and directors present from India and the United States.

Why did the film take two years in the making?

It took more than a year but not two years. The movie required a lot of graphics. There were other details that needed to be looked into. Thus, it took more time.

What made you decide to work with debutant director Thiagarajan Kumarraja?

I have made six films until now, and all of them have been with new directors. The script was good, that's why I chose him.

You prefer new faces for the lead roles. Why not established stars?

What is the story of the film?

It is a gangster film and tells the story of what happens on a particular day. There are no songs in the movie.

Would the audience accept a movie without songs?

I hope so. Nobody knows what works and what doesn't. We have to try new things. We have to change.

What attracted you to this story?

I have always liked gangster films. It was the script that attracted me. It has been tried by western directors, who revolutionised the screenplay and has worked.

What made you choose Jackie Shroff?

Jackie is playing the don, the biggest gangster in the movie. We approached a few actors in Chennai. They were skeptical about taking it up because they were worried about their image. Jackie liked it so we decided to go with him.

We hear the Censor board has made 52 cuts and given it an 'A' certificate. Why so?

Yes. I have taken it to the Central Tribunal in Delhi. Now, we'll have to wait and watch.

I have no problem with the 'A' certificate, as I have made the movie for a mature audience.

Are you expecting better treatment from the tribunal in Delhi?

I hope so. They should understand that the movie is made for a mature audience.

When will the movie release?

The film is said to contain many derogatory references to women. Is it true?

It is not derogatory against anybody. It's the way the dialogues are meant to be. It is not meant to hurt anyone.

It was reported that Kamal Haasan liked your movie. Did Rajnikanth feel the same?

Rajnikanth has not found time to watch it yet. He might watch it by the end of this week.

What are your future plans? Producer, director, actor or singer?

All of them. Production is my primary interest. I will do other things if they come my way.