'KAMAL HARDLY LOSES HIS COOL'

'KAMAL HARDLY LOSES HIS COOL'

After she completes the Ulaganayagan's Viswaroopam, Andrea will work on Vetri Maaran's Vada Chennai...

V Lakshmi

Tell us about your role in Viswaroopam…
All I can say is how much of a pleasure it has been to be part of a film with such high production values. And it's a triple bonus to work with Kamal the actor, director and writer. If his creative genius is legendary, so is his sense of humour. He always has interesting anecdotes and stories to share on the sets. He hardly ever loses his cool, which is a remarkable feat, considering that he dons so many hats in the film.
You are part of Vada Chennai too…
I first met Vetri sir years ago, but unfortunately, didn't get to work with him at that time. Then he asked me to dub for Taapsee in Aadukalam. I guess he was pleased with the result because soon after, he offered me a role in his next film! Working with him is going to be challenging, but I'm really looking forward to it. I think he is one of the most talented, honest and disciplined men I've ever met!
With the film touted to be on the lives of people who live in north Madras, do you think your westernised
and elite
Chennaiite look will suit the character?
Vetri wouldn't have cast me if he didn't think I could pull it off. This role is very far from who I am as a person — not just in the way she looks, but in the way she thinks — and that's why it's so exciting. I have always shied away from stereotyped female roles in films, but people misconstrue that as a lack of interest in commercial cinema. As for my 'pucca elite' look, that's going into hibernation the moment I start shoot for Vada Chennai!
Have you attended the workshop?
I wasn't able to attend it because I was shooting in US for Viswaroopam. But Vetri has given me a character reference and I'm doing all I can to get into that zone.

Kamal Haasan

Andrea