Chennai: He is the grandson of veteran politician M. Karunanidhi, but right now politics may not be the first thing on his mind.
Udhayanidhi Stalin, son of M.K. Stalin, is gearing up for the release of his second film, Ithu Kathirvelan Kadhal, directed by S.R. Prabhakaran of Sundarapandian fame. Stalin, who entered the industry as a producer with Tamil film Kuruvi, in 2008 cut his teeth in acting with Oru Kal Oru Kannadi (OK OK) in 2012. The film won him his first Filmfare award for Best Male Debut with the hit.
In an exclusive chat with tabloid, Stalin Jr opens up on his new role and more.
Tell us about the film.
This is completely diverse from Saravanan of OK OK. Unlike Saravanan, Kathirvelan is mature and sensible. He lives in Madurai and is an obedient and caring son. An ardent devotee of Lord Hanuman, Kathirvelan comes to Coimbatore. And he falls in love with Pavithra. But the story is not just pivoted around his love; it also talks about the bond he shares with his parents. Once again Santhanam is my onscreen buddy. It is a commercial entertainer and one that the censors were happy with.
What were the toughest moments?
Dancing was tough. For this film I put in effort to do better than in OK OK. The other aspect was playing emotions. There is an emotional scene between Kathirvelan and his father. I had my own doubts and when I expressed it to Prabhakaran; he assured me that I could carry it off. I think I have managed that scene well.
What are you working on now?
My next film is Nanbenda, and I am paired opposite Nayanthara again. It will be an out-and-out comedy.
So, any plans for politics?
Right now I have no political ambitions, though I do keep abreast of the latest political happenings. As a producer I am keen on keeping my distributors and theatre owners happy with the cash registers ringing. I am also enjoying my acting phase, comfortable in commercial hero roles and not venturing into anything new.
Tell us about your family.
My father is level headed and patient. I think I have got that from him. Like him I believe in doing my work honestly. My mother was not keen when I decided to act. She and my dad were not much impressed with ‘OK OK’ when they watched it for the first time alone in a preview theatre. Following the success of OK OK she came home one day saying that some children had asked her if she was Saravanan’s mother. That gave her joy.
Kiru (Kiruthiga, his wife, who directed Vanakkam Chennai) has been supportive always. My children, [he has a ten year-old son and a 3-year-old daughter] are my biggest fans and critics. They love my dance in the track,Maelae, Maelae, from Ithu Kathirvelan Kadhal.
