Selvaraghavan Speaks

AO had few uneasy and crude scenes; do you think such strong scenes were necessary for the film? Some of your critics accuse you portraying perversion

Selva Raghavn: Imagine how people lived 800 years ago. They lived like that. Females wore such clothes. I needed to show it as a creator.

I know you would deny it; but it is absolutely apparent that the movie has an Eelam Subtext and many reviews have written about it as well.

Selva Raghavan: No, absolutely not. Such things are not exclusive to Eelam isn’t it? Even people in Serbia were victims to such inhuman acts shown in the film. We are deeply affected by such issues. So, it’s pretty obvious people relate to it. But, my intention was not to refer Eelam.

Your films always end up portraying darker side of Sex, like for example say Child abuse; is it because of your disturbed childhood?

Selva Raghavan: (Laughs) No, I have had a very secluded childhood, that doesn’t mean that I was disturbed. It’s just that I want to convey issues in a powerful way. It’s just my way of making sure the audience talk about it.

Do you think our Tamil fans are ready for films like Ayirathil Oruvan?

Selva Raghavan: Absolutely yes. You can see it. Majority of the formula films are not successful today. Every body knows it; I don’t have to spell it out. You know it too.

But yet, many good films are not successful today, even though we take heart from the fact that most of redundant formula films are flops?

Selva Raghavan: I hope AO makes a difference! (Smiles)

Still, you are not happy with something, isn’t it?

Selva Raghavan: Yes, We pull each other down very often, when we should be supporting each other. Flaws are always there in every film. But I believe we don’t say it the way they have to be said. If AO does well, 10 other films of the same genre will be made.

Many critics have opined that Ayirathil Oruvan is an inspiration of many Hollywood films. Is it true?

Selva Raghavan: Please ask them to show me those films from which I have ripped this story off, I will quit film making. I have a degree in Mechanical Engineering to help me find a job.

What’s the obsession with Hollywood, why do film makers market their film as “equal to Hollywood standards?"

Selva Raghavan: I think we are trapped into that mindset. We need to break it. James Bond films do not take our films as standards, why should we take their films as our standards?

Film makers do it all the time isn’t it? They always want to compete with Hollywood. Obviously Hollywood’s standard of graphics and the visuals are better. Am I Right?

Selva Raghavan: Yes, they are. But if you take the kind of films Hollywood has been making for the last 2 years, they have truck load of crappy films as well. Where is the standard then? As far as I am concerned, I never said this film is of Hollywood standards. If it’s being marketed as one, I do not have any control over it. Hollywood does not set standards for me.

Any Bollywood plans?








Selva Raghavan’s Ayirathil Oruvan might have garnered mixed reviews from the critics, but the cash registers haven’t stopped ringing yet. This magnum opus shot with an expensive budget and strong script has been released in 350 screens around the world.

Selva Raghavan sits down for tete-a-tete on Ayirathil Oruvan, Sex and more.

What’s your take on the sharp criticism that AO lacks logic in many places?

Selva Raghavan: We see so many Hollywood films today like Harry Potter and Avatar. Somehow no logical questions are asked for those films? I think Fantasy films should be treated as fantasy. If not, then what is the point in making a fantasy film?

Fan boys of history are miffed about your depiction of the Chola’s as barbaric and backward - Your comments on the issue?

Selva Raghavan: We have clearly mentioned that the movie is a work of fiction. But, we couldn’t just depict Chola king without any sort of understanding, the base was laid by research. I do not know how to say it, I will leave it to your opinion whether history can be tweaked or not to make up a fictional story.

The movie is well poised for a sequel; will you make one?

Selva Raghavan: Definitely, without doubt.

Selva Raghavan: Yes, I have signed a film with UTV. It will be on the floors soon.

Why do most of your films take a long time to hit the screens; many accuse you of bad planning.

Selva Raghavan: Pudhupettai was my mistake, and I have learnt from it. AO was not a mistake. It was a difficult film to make, and we planned it well and finished it in spite of infinite hiccups.

Whats up with your next film with Vikram?

It is a different kind of an film, but not like AO; it will be commercial as well. I don't work with a format. So, It will be good in its own way.

Selva Raghavan Signs off with his inimitable style and persona.