Kollywood is known for its success combinations, be it directors-actors or the lead pair. One such combination which is clearly ruling the roost on TV and in theatres today is that of director M Rajesh and Santhanam. The duo has delivered three big hits, including the filmmaker’s debut 'Siva Manasula Sakthi' and his most recent 'Oru Kal Oru Kannaadi'. No prizes now for guessing that the filmmaker’s fourth film, titled 'Azhagu Raja', will also have the actor playing an important role.
“The only actors I have confirmed for my next film are Karthi and Santhanam. I will need at least three months to complete the script and two months to pen the dialogues,” says Rajesh.
Interestingly, the film isn’t scripted with a role for Santhanam, the director says. “I always think of it as a character in the movie and later inform Santhanam about his role,” says Rajesh. "After finalising him, I brainstorm with Santhanam about his role in the film," he adds.
“After I wrote Partha’s character in OKOK, Santhanam and I discussed the role in detail. We tried to identify people similar to that role among our friends and studied their behaviour,” adds the director.
While the comedy sequences of 'Siruthai' which brought Karthi and Santhangam together for the first time still rule television channels, one can’t wait to see the magic of the Rajesh-Karthi-Santhanam trio on the screen.