'Manithan' more emotional, funnier than original: Udhayanidhi

Actor-producer Udhayanidhi Stalin, who reprises Arshad Warsi's role in "Manithan", the forthcoming Tamil remake of "Jolly LLB", says the film is more emotional and funnier than the Hindi version.

"Even though we have made lot of changes to this adaptation, we didn't tamper with the film's emotional soul. In fact, we have made 'Manithan' even more emotional and equally funnier," Udhayanidhi told IANS, adding that it will be an emotional court room drama.

Mostly known for his comedy films such as "Oru Kal Oru Kannadi" and "Nanbenda", Udhayanidhi admits he got bored of the same comedy pattern.

"Audiences are expecting fresh content from each film. My last film was the crime-thriller 'Gethu' and I did it because I had become bored of doing comedy films. I wanted to experiment, try something different. With 'Manithan', I suppose I have reinvented," he said.

Directed by I. Ahmed, the film also stars seasoned actors Prakash Raj, Radha Ravi, Hansika Motwani, Vivekh and Aishwarya Rajesh.

Asked if he had to do any homework for his lawyer's role, he said: "I followed what my director said. I watched the original just twice -- once much before we decided to remake it and the second time when the rights were bought. I didn't watch after we started shooting because I didn't want to get carried away".

He admits acting alongside senior actors Prakash Raj and Radha Ravi was intimidating at times.

"In the courtroom, we have so many combination scenes. I remember telling Prakash Raj sir if he's going to act so well then he's going to steal all the limelight. However, Radha Ravi sir kept encouraging me. He asked me to not worry about anyone else and just concentrate on my work," he said.

The film, which releases in cinemas on Friday, is produced by Udhayanidhi's home banner.