« ÀA§AL ~ THALA ~ Sivaji Prod ~ Saran ~ Baradhwaj

The past few days have been hectic - round-the-clock dubbing sessions, shooting of the climax which has to be completed before we leave for Dubai for a song sequence …” Generally prompt in returning my call, Ajith explains the reason for the slight delay in his response.

An original take

Going beyond the formal exchange that occurs between an interviewer and her subject, Ajith always takes that extra effort to be genial. Questions can be frank and forthright but he fields them with composure -- a skill he has honed to perfection in the past few years. Nothing can shake the asli Ajith’s equanimity easily.

With ‘Asal’ gearing up for release in the next few weeks the film is naturally high on his agenda. “Normally I prefer to have the film speak for itself. Yet I have to tell you that every aspect including the stunts and chases exemplify the title. Everything about ‘Asal’ is original and genuine,” he smiles. The sigh of contentment conveys that the hero is happy with the end product. “We’ve slogged. The efforts should reap dividends for every one,” he adds.

That Ajith needs a winner is a given, particularly after the lukewarm response to his last release, ‘Aegan.’ “Each time I was laid up in hospital for a surgery or a film of mine didn’t do too well people have written me off, but I’ve managed to bounce back. I’ve realised that there’s no point in getting worked up about such things. What matters to me is ‘Aegan’ is a watchable film and 10 years from now it will still be so,” he defends his choice of the project.

Not just him -- ‘Asal’s director Saran badly needs a money spinner, considering that the results of his recent attempts haven’t been encouraging. Yet whenever Ajith and Saran have joined hands the results have been quite positive. ‘Kaadhal Mannan’ and ‘Amarkalam’ were runaway hits. Probably ‘Attagaasam’ wasn’t exactly so. ‘Asal’ is their fourth film together. “Saran’s debut was with me and as you say, he can do with a grosser now. ‘Asal’ should work for us. It’s a very positive film and will cater for every stratum of viewers,” asserts Ajith.

This is Ajith’s first assignment with Sivaji Films. “A rewarding experience,” he says and continues: “It’s one of the best companies I’ve worked for. I think it’s because they belong to a family of actors. They make me feel absolutely at ease. My years in the industry have taught me that acting is all about finding your comfort level. As a viewer I can gauge what can make me tick and things I’m comfortable doing. When makers have given importance to my suggestions the films have invariably done well – ‘Vaali,’ ‘Varalaaru,’ ‘Villain,’ the examples are many. Sivaji Films understands the psychology very well and Saran always gives ear to my ideas. I can discuss matters very freely with him. After all, our final goal is the same – to make a worthy and viable film.”

‘Asal’ has been filmed in exotic locations – about 60 per cent of the story is set in the lustrous outdoors of France. and quite a chunk has been canned in the country which most filmmakers these days make a beeline for – Malaysia.

Knowing Ajith’s penchant for action has he taken risks this time too? “I agree that I do have an adrenalin rush while racing or acting out fights. But I don’t go ahead if the producer and director have even an iota of misgiving. After all I know that a lot is at stake and I can’t allow myself to get injured. But we do have a chase not because I’m a racer but because it is essential for the film. As far as stunts go, considering that I’m quite accident-prone I’ve got away with just an ankle twist this time,” he laughs.

Going by the stills, Ajith looks as stylish and suave as he was in ‘Billa,’ or even more. “Yes, we are giving a lot of importance to the look of ‘Asal,’” he smiles. “And I wish to reiterate that it’s a team effort. He describes heroines Sameera and Bhavana as “thorough professionals.” Suresh, the handsome hero of the 1980s, makes a comeback in a solid role. “Raju Sundaram has done some excellent choreography and we have Antony as the editor. the icing of course is Bharadwaj’s music. I want ‘Asal’ to be a win-win situation for all of us. I’m not narcissistic to think of my gains alone. Every aspect counts. The whole group has worked hard and should rightfully share the honours.” with me.” Magnanimous words indeed, but if a film fares badly, it’s the hero who faces takes most of the brickbats and the backlash. “I know and I’m game,” is his instant reply.

Striking a rapport with the team you work with is primary, he feels. “I’ll be doing only one film a year, a decision I made after ‘Azhwar.’ Today going to the cinemas is a costly affair even for the affluent. So makers have to take enough care to give the filmgoer his money’s worth. And honestly, if it’s going to take even two years to give a good film, I’m willing,” he smiles.

http://beta.thehindu.com/arts/movies/article73499.ece

From: Arun555 on Thu Dec 31 8:28:54 2009.

Hi to all i am a new hubber a great fan of THALA
From: Arun555 on Thu Dec 31 8:31:57 2009.

Appu s wrote:

Audio will release on 7th or 8th

WOW
From: Appu s on Thu Dec 31 8:32:10 2009.

Welcome Arun
From: Appu s on Thu Dec 31 8:42:30 2009.

Arun555 wrote:

Appu s wrote:

Audio will release on 7th or 8th

WOW

actually audio is releasing on 4th ...
From: Sourav on Thu Dec 31 8:43:20 2009.

Arun555 wrote:

Hi to all i am a new hubber a great fan of THALA
welcome!
From: Prabo on Thu Dec 31 9:30:54 2009.

http://www.starajith.com/media_display.php?id=1549

Some more stills taken at Dubai
From: Prabo on Thu Dec 31 9:32:22 2009.

If the audio release is on 4th, we can expect the ad's from tomorrow

From: Prabo on Thu Dec 31 9:50:57 2009.

From Orkut

Quote:

GUYS,
ITS CONFIRMED!!! ULTIMATE STAR AJITH KUMAR'S ASAL WILL HAVE ITS AUDIO LAUNCH ON JANUARY 4. Happy Dance

AS PLANNED EARLIER, WE ARE HOLDING A MASSIVE CELEBRATION AT SANTHI THEATRE PREMISES. THIS EVENT IS BEING ORGANISED BY AJITH FANS ALL OVER. NOT JUST ORKUT OR ANY OTHER GROUP.

WE'RE PLANNING TO ACQUIRE CD'S IN BULK & DISTRIBUTE TO FANS WHO ARE COMING ON THE D-DAY. THE ADVANTAGE WE'LL HAVE IS THAT WE CAN GET THE CD'S FOR A MUCH LOWER RATE.

WHOEVER IS COMING ON JAN 4 & WANTS THE CD'S, KINDLY CALL ASHWANTH & GIVE YOUR NAMES TO HIM.

WE NEED TO HAVE A COUNT FIRST & THEN PROCURE CD'S ACCORDINGLY.

DONT WORRY ABOUT THE NUMBER OF CDS. EVEN IF SOMEONE WANTS 4-5, KINDLY INFORM US WELL IN ADVANCE.

ALSO KUMUDHAM & AAHA 91.1 FM WILL BE THERE FOR THE COVERAGE.

SO ALL THOSE WHO WANT THE CD'S CAN CONTACT ME(VIVEK) OR OUR FELLOW MOD ASHWANTH ON THE NUMBERS BELOW

AND WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE NO DISTURBANCE CAUSED WHATSOEVER.

HOPING TO SEE YOU ALL ON JAN 4 ON THE EVE OF ASAL AUDIO LAUNCH.

From: ALWAR_AJITH on Thu Dec 31 11:00:55 2009.

is it confirmed release on 4 jan?
From: ALWAR_AJITH on Thu Dec 31 11:03:52 2009.

after sivaji 70+ and odasa 70+ only aegan which release in 54 screens all over malaysia..since asal not release in festival time i am not sure how many theaters the will release the movie..hope the best fro asal team
From: maniram_1234 on Thu Dec 31 11:40:02 2009.

hi i am vijay fan
but i like ajith for his self confidence and his hard work
he came into this position without any support from anyone(unlike vijay)

sivaji productions has done a wrong thing by not selling film to sun pictures
if asal become flop
the only reason will be none other than this one
From: cujoo on Thu Dec 31 12:25:42 2009.

maniram_1234 wrote:

sivaji productions has done a wrong thing by not selling film to sun pictures

Actually I am happy about that Aasal didn't go to SUN. Actors have to follow their rules like promote movies they have to visit most theaters . Which I don't like it. I am pretty sure Ajith will get good openning and will cover the cost atleast. If the movie is good no matter what people will go and watch it. Naadodigal, Passanga are few examples.
From: L_Kumar on Thu Dec 31 17:43:20 2009.

Jan 1, 2010 Starts With Asal Audio Release Paper Ad
Published in all daily papers dated Jan 1, 2010

Click here to see included image.

http://www.starajith.com/media_display.php?id=1551

From: Appu s on Thu Dec 31 17:49:42 2009.

L_Kumar wrote:

Jan 1, 2010 Starts With Asal Audio Release Paper Ad
Published in all daily papers dated Jan 1, 2010

Click here to see included image. Cool

http://www.starajith.com/media_display.php?id=1551

dazing ad

From: BM on Thu Dec 31 18:04:28 2009.

Its looking very good ... Year starts with a good note ... Happy New Year my friends
From: L_Kumar on Thu Dec 31 18:45:04 2009.

Happy New Year to all the hubbers!

To start with a sweet and funny note :

Ajith Explains About His Funniest Moment Of 2009
Published in The Hindu daily paper dated Jan 01, 2009

http://www.starajith.com/media_display.php?id=1553

From: VinodKumar's on Thu Dec 31 19:23:57 2009.

maniram_1234 wrote:

hi i am vijay fan
but i like ajith for his self confidence and his hard work
he came into this position without any support from anyone(unlike vijay)

sivaji productions has done a wrong thing by not selling film to sun pictures
if asal become flop
the only reason will be none other than this one

what are u coming to say here

there are lot of fathers who are trying to make their son big star in kollywood but they are not able to ...

Vijay came to this position because of his hard work only... ur point is baseless ...

if u want to praise others praise them dont drag Vijay there unnecessarily ...

From: Sourav on Thu Dec 31 21:57:30 2009.

L_Kumar wrote:

Jan 1, 2010 Starts With Asal Audio Release Paper Ad
Published in all daily papers dated Jan 1, 2010

Click here to see included image. Cool

http://www.starajith.com/media_display.php?id=1551

Good start 4 2010!

From: subash43 on Thu Dec 31 23:18:16 2009.

L_Kumar wrote:

Jan 1, 2010 Starts With Asal Audio Release Paper Ad
Published in all daily papers dated Jan 1, 2010

Click here to see included image. Cool

http://www.starajith.com/media_display.php?id=1551

Super

From: leosimha on Fri Jan 1 2:12:20 2010.

wow.....audio releasing this jan 4th...great start for thala this year....
From: BM on Fri Jan 1 2:41:24 2010.

Promises of 2010 - Times of India

http://i801.photobucket.com/albums/yy293/ajithfanz/dec09/jan1-1.jpg

Paper scan : http://images.orkut.com/orkut/photos/OgAAAPFG7Otw_nTlfc54lwk7ltf5ikgOIrCF2uxbEQo7MZuYZ_KgX2YhiTf-7TJ_XtoN09epqPxmq2uGRD_StaJxCRQAm1T1UMWD4n0KFww31F5EP_lgytXeey_V.jpg
From: BM on Fri Jan 1 2:44:01 2010.

The ASAL Sale - Vivek Shop's advertisement

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_FTnL7XOpos0/Sz18GhGbyUI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/kfqcaLJ0tzs/s400/img002crop.jpg

From: leosimha on Fri Jan 1 2:57:08 2010.

Appu s wrote:

The Asal star

Striking a rapport with the team you work with is primary, he feels. “I’ll be doing only one film a year, a decision I made after ‘Azhwar.’ Today going to the cinemas is a costly affair even for the affluent. So makers have to take enough care to give the filmgoer his money’s worth. And honestly, if it’s going to take even two years to give a good film, I’m willing,” he smiles.

http://beta.thehindu.com/arts/movies/article73499.ece[/quote]

thala, we want atleat 2 movies per year from you. if it is going to be only 1 movie per year, then you should do movies only with established directors with a very good story, script and screenplay and much more. Sad