Birthday boy Dhanush has enough reason to celebrate, what with his career booming. He has also reached the number two spot in the secret card rating among the Tamil film trade, after a hat-trick of hits in the last 18 months — Polladhavan, Yaaradi Nee Mohini and Padikkathavan. His new film Kutty is one of the most sought after films by distributors, and may touch the Rs 20 crore mark even before release! The star opens up to CT in an exclusive interview…

You are currently enjoying a dream run at the box-office…
  
(Smiles) It’s all God’s grace, a bit of hard work on my part and some good luck.

What is your state of mind now?

I am quite happy. The secret behind my success is that I learn from my mistakes. Also, I consider my son Yatra, my lucky mascot. Ever since he was born, my lucky streak at the box office started with Thiruvilayadal Aarambham.

So what are you going to do on your birthday?
  
I will be spending the day with my family and will probably take Yatra for a drive. I find more pleasure in the simple things of life.

According to the critics, you are trying to ape your father-in-law, Rajinikanth’s style of acting by signing one mass movie after another…

I do not want to be a carbon copy of Rajinikanth. When it comes to Tamil cinema, there can be only one superstar. I go through my scripts with a fine comb and look carefully at the character. I do films that suit my image.

The roles that you have played have worked wonders for you. How do you pick your roles?

I prefer doing films which are an ideal mix of realism and mass masala. My biggest asset is my ordinary looks; nobody will recognise me in a crowded place. You will never find me fighting a hundred guys or romancing half a dozen glam girls on a beach.

You are doing another remake. Tell us about Kutty.
  
 
To be honest, I usually do not like doing remakes. But somehow, after seeing the original, I feel like giving it a shot. Kutty is a breezy, romantic campus caper with peppy music by Devi Sri Prasad. I am extremely satisfied after seeing the rushes. Shriya is very good in the film.

How is Aadukalam shaping out?

Aadukalam is my dream project. Currently, we are shooting in the tough terrains, in the interiors of Madurai. It was Vetrimaran’s script that made me say yes to the project. The character I play is Karuppu, a talkative local boy, who can handle any situation in life. It is a very raw film.

Is Trisha still the heroine of the film?
  
Honestly, I do not know whether she is doing the film, you will have to ask Vetri about that as it’s his call. If she does not want to do the film and want to move on and chase her dreams in Bollywood, we have absolutely no issues.

Is it true that you are remaking Rajinikanth’s 1989 superhit Maapilai?
  
Yes, I’m doing a remake of Rajinikanth’s Maapilai. The rights were purchased by producer Hitesh Jabak two years ago and Suraaj has come up with a modern script. The shoot will start shortly. I met Rajinikanth not as his son-in-law, but officially as Dhanush the actor and got his approval to do the remake. Who better than me to do the remake?