Courtesy: Kalainger TV

Source: Times of India (Dated January 9 2009)

Having played the suave hero in Billa and Aegan, it looks like Ajith, to avoid monotony, wants to do the “mass hero” type of role in his next film. Maybe that is the reason he chose Saran, who had directed him in Kadhal Mannan, Amarkalam and Attagasam, all commercial super hits.

Saran recently revealed that he originally planned Amarkalam to be named Asal, but later changed his mind. He also added that he was looking forward to using the title Asal for his next film with Ajith!

Source: Galatta (Dated December 29 2008)

On the title Asal, Saran revealed that his earlier Ajith starrer Amarkkalam was originally proposed to be called Asal. “When the idea was scrapped, I decided to use the title elsewhere,” mentioned Saran. So it would be Amarkkalam, Attagasam and now Asal for Saran. Asal will also be Saran’s first association with Harris Jeyaraj, who is roped in to score for the movie. More updates in this regard awaited.

Source: Behindwoods (Dated December 29 2008)

SRINIVASA RAMANUJAM Times News Network

It’s all about identities when it comes to director Saran. He gave Ajith a lovable ruffian’s identity in Amarkalam and made Prasanth travel in local buses in Parthen Rasithen for his desperate lover’s identity. He also ensured Chiyaan Vikram got recognised as a commercial hero with Gemini. Re-defining set rules for today’s heroes and giving them a different identity has always been Saran’s forte. And he’s showcased it in almost every film he’s done. That’s precisely why it’s amusing when he describes his current venture—Modhi Vilayadu (MV) — as the hero’s search for his identity. “If somebody takes away your identity, what will you do? That’s what this film’s about,” he describes. This time, the filmmaker promises to be back with a bang. Starring Vinay and Kajal Agarwal in lead roles, he promises that the film will please both front-benchers and balcony viewers. “I feel that this will be a breakthrough film for me,” he says in all earnestness, “After it releases, my career will be divided as pre-MV and post MV!”

That might sound a bit too confident, but he’s sure of his team’s ability. For MV, the director joins hands with Colonial Cousins (Hariharan and Leslie Lewis), new entrants to Kollywood. “It’s a perfect combo,” he comments on the music, “They understand what I want and I understand what they give. The music is excellent and the sounds that they’ve used are very different.”

Working with the Cousins was a different experience for him. “Our ears have been trained to hear composers like Rahman and Illayaraja,” he says, “While the Cousins bring in an international feel to the music, people like Vairamuthu and I have made sure that it has an appeal here too.” The melody number Othai Vartha… is Saran’s personal favourite. All that remains of MV is the picturisation of a few songs and scenes. “We’re looking for a summer release,” he adds.

The filmmaker has used the time since Vattaram to observe trends in the industry on how different scenes were perceived. “There’s been a new wave of thoughts and commercial cinema seems to have co-existed with creative cinema,” he says.

So, what’s next? “It’s going to be Asal with Ajith,” he quips, with enthusiasm. “I’m grateful to Sivaji Productions, which made Rajinikanth’s Chandramukhi, for giving me such a prestigious project.” Though details are yet to be finalised, he reveals that Asal will be an all out action film with a musical touch. “I’m excited about it as it’s the first time I’ll be working with Harris, who is creating ripples in the music industry.” ‘THERE’S NO BREAK-UP!’

Saran is tired of rumours about his alleged break-up with music director Bharadwaj. “They are just rumours and nothing more,” he stresses. “I’m very much on talking terms with him. It’s just that Modhi Vilayadu required a different musical perspective and that’s why we’ve gone for Colonial Cousins. In fact, there was a time when Hariharan used to sing for Bharadwaj and then come straight for our recording! And for my next project, it just happens that the production company has chosen Harris and I’m going ahead with it. I’ll have no issues working with Bharadwaj in the future.” Meanwhile, he’s all praise for the music director he’s worked so long with. “Almost six years ago (when I was doing Gemini), Bharadwaj suggested the idea of a re-mix. He was sure that it would become a trend . Unfortunately, I didn’t listen to him then!”

Source: Times of India (Dated December 29 2008)

Source: Dinathanthi (Dated December 28 2008)

Courtesy: Indiaglitz

Source: Kungumam (Dated December 26 2008)

Source: Kumudam (Dated December 26 2008)

Courtesy: Kuralarasan (Sathyam Theater 1st day 1st Show)