Simple, straightforward and sharp, Bala is easily in a league of his own. His fierce determination to be honest, even under demanding conditions and scathing criticism, and his dedicated and uncompromising nature are probably two of the several factors that have endeared him to the masses and the critics alike. A hard worker and sincere lover of cinema, Bala continues to remain one-of-a-kind. TOI caught up with the usually reticent director for an exclusive one-on-one, even as his Avan Ivan gears up for release…
Who has done a better job — Arya or Vishal?
Comparisons are not easy and they make me uncomfortable. As far as this film is concerned, there were no ego problems between both Vishal and Arya as both of them are good friends. Both placed immense trust in me and both had to be satisfied. I believe I have done that.
The biggest challenge directing Avan Ivan…
On a general note, the biggest problem with a double-hero film is the balancing act. I generally split the film into two halves and rate the roles. This is to ensure that I have given both equal screen space and importance in the film. If one of them falls short on any of the counts, I then look at introducing dialogues or incidents to raise the stature of that character and balance the whole equation.
On the delay in completing the film…
I will blame the responsibilities that I have for the delay. I sincerely want to lift the stature of anybody who chooses to work with me at least four fold. And when I persevere to do so, it results in a delay. There has been a delay in completing Avan Ivan too, but it is a small one. I realise its implications and take full responsibility for it. But at the same time, I’m happy that I have raised the stature of Avan Ivan’s artistes ten-fold.
What can fans expect from Avan Ivan…
Avan Ivan is a film that will make you roar with laughter for the most part. Occasionally, you may cry but finally, you will be shocked. All that I’ll say at this point is that this film’s a sure-shot winner. I might come in for some criticism from some intellectuals who might ask me, ‘Do you need this?’ However, at this point, I don’t need intellectuals. I need success!
On his unforgiving working style…
I don’t think I have the right to say I work hard and that I strain myself. I get paid, don’t I? Then, what have I got to complain? My producer Aghoram had so much trust in me that he hardly turned up on the sets during the entire filming session. In all, I think he would have visited us only thrice and that too, for only ten minutes.
Any intentions of making a Hindi film…
I don’t want to be dependent on others. If I learn the language and if I have the capacity to learn it, I might do a film. At the moment, I’m learning the language. I know to read and write but I don’t know to speak.
