Directing Kamal Haasan sir has helped me become a better actor, says KS Ravikumar

Ravikumar not only has produced Koogle Kuttappa but also shouldered the film, donning a pivotal character, Subramani

KS Ravikumar, Yogi Babu, Tharshan and Losliya in Koogle Kuttappa 

Koogle Kuttappa, which was released last week in theatres, marked veteran filmmaker-actor KS Ravikumar's return to production, after 22 years. In 2000, he bankrolled Kamal Haasan-starrer Thenali.

Ravikumar not only has produced Koogle Kuttappa but also shouldered the film, donning a pivotal character, Subramani. In an interview with Cinema Express, Ravikumar cited two reasons why he returned to production with this film, a remake of Android Kunjappan Version 5.25: “I encourage my assistants to approach other producers to fund their projects. Sabari and Saravanan approached me to produce this one, and also to play the lead. Another producer was set to bankroll the film. However, there were differences with that producer, and when they couldn’t find another one, they were feeling quite sad. That’s when I told them I’d produce it.”

His second reason is the strength of the script, Ravikumar told Cinema Express. “The film has a fresh screenplay and this idea of exploring the bond between a lonely, old man and a robot sounded different. I liked the character… And the Malayalam film, Android Kunjappan, on which this one is based, was a success in Kerala. Tamil audiences who must have seen the Malayalam film must be rather small. Even if ten per cent might have seen, we have the remaining ninety per cent to cater to."

Ravikumar told Cinema Express, "Even those who watched Android Kunjappan might be curious to see how this remake compares to the original. We haven’t opted for a frame-by-frame remake. For instance, Saiju Kurup’s character in the original is not prominent, whereas we have expanded that character, played here by Yogi Babu."

How does it feel to have a release in theatres, after a long time? Ravikumar, who has directed Kamal Haasan in films like Avvai Shanmugi, Panchatanthiram, Manmadhan Ambu, Dasavatharam, told Cinema Express, directing Ulaganayagan has helped him become a better actor!"

Koogle Kuttappa is directed by Sabari and Saravanan, former assistant directors to KS Ravikumar. The film has Tharshan of Bigg Boss Tamil fame, Losliya Mariyanesan, Yogi Babu, and others, in important roles.

Sabari and Saravanan say they retained the soul of the original story while adapting Android Kunjappan Version 5.25 in Tamil. "Certain characteristics of the leads were tweaked, and a couple of new characters have been introduced. These are calls we made after several rounds of discussions." Speaking about their next, the filmmaker-duo told Cinema Express, "We don't have any plans of branching out and are currently working on our second film, featuring Hansika Motwani in the lead. Most of the shoot has been completed and we are confident of delivering an enjoyable film again."

Koogle Kuttappa is currently in cinemas.

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