Where did the inspiration for Endhiran come from? “From within me,” he says. And, a little piqued by the poser, adds: “I've worked hard on every shot so that it doesn't bear even an iota of resemblance to anything you've ever watched before.” Shankar's work has harvested plaudits from Hollywood technicians, who have worked on the visual effects of Endhiran. “The line is so original,” they had chorused. Shankar has handled diverse themes, from pedestrian fantasy to larger-than-life projections. “So, why not a robot, I thought. The result is Endhiran. I can't repeat myself. I need challenges all the time,” he says.
Endhiran'smind-boggling budget must be keeping him on tenterhooks. “Not at all, because I know it'll fetch the investment and more. If you have a fresh subject, a saleable cast and entertaining features in good measure, and top it with a small message, you cannot but hit the bull's eye. Credit should go to producer Kalanidhi Maran; the confidence he has reposed in me is remarkable. Also, Endhiran will transcend language barriers,” avers the maker. The film, which will be released in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi, is also being subtitled in English.
The Bachchan bahu should be another promising scorer forEndhiran. “Surely, Aishwarya Rai is a significant part of the ‘E' factor. And, she is as dedicated and hardworking as a hero,” says Shankar. The storehouse of talent and beauty has come a long way as an actor since the days of Jeans, her first film with Shankar. “She needed to be taught things then,” remembers Shankar. “But now, she's a veteran who performs on cue. And, it's superfluous to talk about her mesmerising screen presence.”
Moving on to another asset of Endhiran, composer A.R. Rahman, Shankar says with a smile: “We share a perfect rapport. Our understanding is so good that just looking at me he knows whether I like a tune or want something more.” Their association goes back to Shankar's debut, Gentleman.
The imposing list of technicians features lensman Ratnavelu, late writer Sujatha and art director Sabu Cyril. “Sabu has come up with some splendid creations in the form of futuristic sets and robotic labs,” he says. Shankar cannot forget Sujatha's contribution either. “Being well-versed in the subject, his inputs for Endhiran have been incredible.” After Sujatha passed away, Shankar and Karky took over and completed the rest of the dialogue.
“Endhiran will be a stunning visual experience … I hope,” he concludes, even as his eyes twinkle with confidence.
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