Signing off with a flourish
Now that he has emerged on top politically, has shed off most of his administrative responsibilities as a CM to son Stalin after making him deputy CM, and sure that his son Azhagiri and grand nephew DayanidhiMaran have the Delhi end under control, Karunanidhi is turning his attention to his other love-- films. Recently he met up with director Ilavenil and producer Murugesan , the combo who will make the next film based on his famous novel, Suruli Malai. This duo had made his earlier film Ulliyin Osai and the film, according to Illavenil, did well. Suruli Malai, written four decades ago, will be tweaked a little at the suggestion of Illavenil. "Kalaignar has penned screenplays for family dramas, historical, political, mythological and revolutionary themes. This is going to be the first time that Kalaignar is going to author a romantic piece," says Illanevil, whose film version will be called Nee Indri Naa Illai (You today, me tomorrow). Uday Kiran, the Telugu actor, will reprise the role of the forest officer, while National Award winner Meera Jasmine will play a tribal girl and be the hero’s love interest. Illavenil is very impressed not only with Kalaignar’s flourish with the pen but also how prolific he is. "Despite his spinal surgery which has kept him wheel chair-bound, he discussed the screenplay with us for six hours at a stretch." It’s half-finished and like most writers, Karunanidhi too is possessive about his screenplay. But he adds a note at the bottom of each page, which are basically options for the filmmakers.