'All Credit Should Go To Bala For Success'

Thursday, June 10, 2004

Producer V A Durai is a happy man these days. His home production 'Pithamagan' bagged six Filmfare awards announced recently. An elated Durai says, all credit should go to director Bala for the success. Durai has produced many movies including 'Ennama Kannu, Looty, Lovely', besides being involved in the production of Rajnikanth's last venture Baba. Currently busy with his next production Gajendra that features actor Vijayakanth in the main role, Durai shares his future plans and his views on scenario in the Tamil film industry in an exclusive interview.

About Gajendra?

It is remake of Telugu hit Simhadri. Vijayakanth plays the lead and director Suresh Krishna wields the megaphone. Actually the Telugu rights were procured by Vijayakanth for his home production. But, when I said I wanted to produce the movie, he wholeheartedly gave the script to me. The movie has come out very well and I hope it would make it big here.

On your entry to filmdom?

I hail from a village in Nagercoil. I came to Chennai in search of a job. I was introduced to Rajnikanth's make-up man Muthappa, who introduced me to director S P Muthuraman. I joined him as an assistant director and worked for over 14 years.

How did you become a producer?

When I worked as production executive for A M Rathnam's Sri Surya Movies, I was exposed to the nuances of producing a movie. I managed to produce my debut venture Ennama Kannu with Sathyaraj in the lead. The movie clicked and I became a successful producer.

Any specific reason for giving that movie to director Bala?

I liked the way he churned out his first film Sethu. Even his second venture Nandha was outstanding. He is an excellent technician. Hence I decided to give him an offer to direct my venture.

On the success of your film Pithamagan.

Bala deserves all credit for the success of Pithamagan. The movie not only collected huge revenue, but also won many awards. The movie has bagged six Filmfare awards. Ever since we began the venture, I was confident that the movie would strike it rich.