All my stories have some part of me: Kamal Haasan

As legendary actor-filmmaker Kamal Haasan’s much-anticipated project Uttama Villain is nearing its release date, the Kollywood star has come forward to talk about his upcoming movie. Interestingly, Kamal will be playing dual roles in the film, a superstar and an eighth century theatre artiste. "It's the story of an actor; a superstar with and without a mask. All those who have asked me whether this is the story of my life, I'd like say all my stories have some part of me," he says.

Source: indianupdates.com

Talking about the late legendary filmmaker K. Balachander’s appearance in the movie, Kamal adds, "I've always wished to work with him (KB). For many years, he dodged opportunities to act but this time around, I finally managed to convince him. He plays a very important role of a director called Margadarshi." Balachander was unwilling to do the film due to his deteriorating health. "He had asked what we'd do if he passed away in the middle. He reminded us several times about our decision to cast him and that we were making a mistake. I told him if at all anything happens, I'd change the story and complete the film," Kamal revealed.

"As soon as we finished shooting for the film, he rushed us to do the dubbing. When he fell ill and was hospitalised, I was mixing the film in the US. When I asked him should I leave and come visit him, he told me to finish all pending work and then return," he said. Speaking about his decision to choose his friend Ramesh to direct the project, Kamal elaborated, "Ramesh and I come from KB school. We're friends and his students. Ramesh has been involved in story discussions of my several projects and he helped in choosing the story of Uttama Villain. At all times, I have several stories with me. While discussing a few stories with Ramesh, he suggested that I should take up the story of this film. I felt he could direct it because as KB proteges, we've learnt to be directors as well."