Ajith Kumar is Tamil industry's rebel
without a real cause. He does not party with
his colleagues in Nadigar Sangam nor does he
try to promote his films or himself through
the electronic media. He keeps a safe
distance from the glitz and glamour world
though he is the enigmatic superstar of
Tamil. He is the "King of Opening", and does
things his way as he tries to "green the
drab Chennai environment" by inculcating
civic consciousness and encouraging people
to plant saplings.
On the eve of the release of his latest film
Ji, Ajith spoke in detail to Sify.com
sitting in his posh Abhiramapuram office.
Excerpts
Your last release Attagasam took a fantastic
opening but was not able to sustain. Please
comment.
I don't want to do a postmortem. I am as
unhappy as my fans are, if a film of mine
does not do good business. For a critic- a
film is a review, for the public- it is just
another film which will entertain them, but
for Ajit Kumar- it is my life. Please
understand that if a film does not do well
it affects me the most.
You waved your salary so that the film could
be released. Is that true?
Yes , it is a fact and after the film took a
bumper opening the producer refused to spent
money on publicity and nowadays for any
product to be sold, it has to be advertised.
As an actor I can assure that my films get a
great opening but for a film to sustain its
box-office collections the producer has to
promote the film. In most of the cases my
films suffer due to this.
Why is it that all your films get into
financial mess by the time it gets ready for
release?
(A long pause) "Dishonesty".
Ji release has been postponed for a couple
of times. What's the reason?
(snaps) Why should I tell you that. It's a matter between me and my producer. There is
no need for me to explain the reason behind
it.
Tell us something about Ji?
I hate to talk about my films as I believe
that the film should do all the talking. My
only concern for a film is that it should
bring revenue to all people concerned with
it. My fans and audience should get their "paisa
vasool". If not for my fans I wouldn't be
here.
Is Ji about student politics?
(Breaks into his winsome smile) Ji has a
political background. It is set in a campus
milieu and is the story of one man who takes
on the establishment. The film is based on
one incident that happened in director
Lingusamy's college days, at Kumbakonam. We
have used cinematic license and expanded
this incident to tell a story.
Your critics say that you don't work with
established directors?
I am very sorry to say that you have not
been following my career.
Saran `ji' started his career with me and we
have so many hits together. S.J Suryah's
first film Valee was a super hit and see
where he has reached now? My directors and
me we grew together. I am willing to take
the risk and look at their potential and the
spark in them while signing a film and it
has always paid off. Don't forget that I
have also worked with established directors
like K.S.Ravikumar and now Lingusamy.
Recently you are on a "green campaign" and
speaking about civic sense and giving
support to planting trees. Please comment.
I want to use my so-called fame and
popularity by bringing social awareness. The
public thinks of me as an icon and I believe
that "We the People" have some
responsibilities towards our society. We
have good politicians, but as citizens let's
first get together and do something good for
ourselves and people around us.
I am trying to share the responsibilities of
the government. People should stop blaming
politicians and start taking care of our
environment. What I have to tell them
is-cleanliness starts from your home. Keep
your houses clean, keep your road clean,
segregate garbage and watch and see - Our
city becomes clean!
What are your future plans?
My best is yet to come. My next film will be
Ravikumar's Godfather and then it will be
Bala's film. I am also doing a Selvaraghavan
film. I haven't committed for any other
film.
Your competitors are walking away with the
box-office. What is your strategy?
In an industry where people change loyalties
like changing their undergarments, I want
the audience to decide. I will be around
even after 20 years from now giving my best.