It's Not About Power. I Am Challenging The Status Quo

As the producer, director, writer, actor, co-choreographer of Vishwaroopam 2, KAMAL HAASAN is on a promotional spree for what is touted to be his third last film before he retires from cinema. In a 50-minute chat with SUHANI SINGH and AMARNATH K. MENON, Haasan talks about movies, his hero Mahatma Gandhi, his party— Makkal Needhi Maiam—and reveals why politics was his true calling. Excerpts from the interview

- Suhani Singh And Amarnath K. Menon

How has India evolved since Vishwaroopam (2013)?

Like always, at any given time, there is regression and progression. This time, disturbingly, we are going towards regressive, not constructive, debate. Arguments now are taken to a shriller pitch than before.

Q. Vishwaroopam faced flak for its depiction of Muslims.

A. It’s about a sleeper agent from India who happens to be Muslim. You are fed the Muslim stereotype so much and the communal disturbances and the shrill voice of dissent, you forget to see the story. He is an Indian first. I don’t have a religion at all. Tell me how many people are bold enough to say that in 2018. I am setting an example. Many people are ready to say it, but are worried because of lumpen intervention.

Q. You have acted, written, directed, choreographed and produced films. Which role do you enjoy the most?

A. Being the audience. It’s best to suspend disbelief and watch a movie; it doesn’t matter who made it. It happens for two to three minutes and I am a happy man, especially if it’s my movie. Acting was never my first love, I was a most reluctant actor. If not for Mr [K.] Balachander (director of Apoorva Raagangal, Ek Duuje Ke Liye), I wouldn’t be here. I enjoyed dancing but then I thought it wasn’t as versatile a medium as cinema. Learning Bharatanatyam did give me an edge like any cultural education does.

Q. Some have criticised your hosting Bigg Boss Tamil.