Selva, known for his rural films in the 90s, returned to Kollywood with Mysskin’s films, Yuddham Sei and Mugamoodi. Now, he’s donning the director’s hat for the second time after Golmaal (1998), with a film titled 12-12-1950 (the date of Rajinikanth’s birthday). The film is said to revolve around the lives of five fans of Rajinikanth.
A self-confessed Rajini fan, Selva himself plays a role — that of a Kung Fu master — and the photos show him in a get-up similar to that of Rajini’s in Kabali. The director has even rechristened himself as Kabali Selva now.
“We thought of many titles and finalised on this as the film will be a tribute to our Superstar,” says Selva, whose film has the tagline, ‘Not just birthdays, we celebrate his birth’.
The film’s teaser was recently released by Sivakarthikeyan. When asked about the story, Selva says, “It’s not a biopic or a story on Rajini’s life. It’s a comedy film with sentiment and thriller aspects. The five main characters are named after Rajini’s hit films. I play the role of Kabali Selva and the others are Muthu, Billa, Veera and Ejamaan.”
Ask if his character is similar to that he played in Mugamoodi (a kung-fu master) and Selva denies it immediately.
“It’s a different role, inspired by years of seeing Rajini on screen.” Selva is visibly ecstatic when he talks about the Superstar.
“I’ve been his fan for more than 40 years, right from Aayiram Jenmangal days. I make sure to meet him and get his blessings on every birthday of mine. Everyone is his fan, but I’m a fanatic. I’ve even spoken about this film when I met him in March,” he adds.
The film’s shoot was completed in May, and the team is now prepping for the release of the film’s trailer, expected by the middle of this month. “I’ve requested Rajini to watch the film, and he has accepted,” adds Selva.
The film also stars Thambi Ramaiah, Yogi Babu, MS Bhaskar, Ramesh Thilak, John Vijay, Ajay, Adhavan and Elango Kumaravel.