KS Ravikumar, the veteran director, has been a dominant force in Tamil cinema for decades. With a career spanning multiple blockbusters like Muthu, Padayappa, and Dasavatharam, Ravikumar has solidified his position as a master filmmaker. Recently, he revealed an interesting secret about his iconic movie Avvai Shanmugi (1996), which was inspired by a Hollywood film.
Starring Kamal Haasan, Meena, and Nagesh, Avvai Shanmugi was a groundbreaking film that introduced prosthetic makeup to Tamil cinema. The movie also featured legendary actor Gemini Ganesan, known as the “Love King” (Kadhal Mannan) of Tamil cinema. However, in a surprising revelation, Director KS Ravikumar disclosed that Gemini Ganesan was not his first choice for the film.
Ravikumar initially wanted to narrate the story to veteran actor Sivaji Ganesan, who was supposed to play a role that involved flirting with Kamal Haasan. However, Ravikumar later realized that the character wouldn’t suit Sivaji Ganesan and instead approached Gemini Ganesan. Given Gemini’s reputation as a romantic hero, Ravikumar thought he would be perfect for the role.
The rest, as they say, is history. Avvai Shanmugi became a cult classic, and its songs, composed by Deva, remain timeless hits. The film’s success can be attributed to the impeccable casting, direction, and performances, which have made it a beloved favorite among audiences.”
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