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Style and sophistication: ‘Billa’

In cast and content it could well be a winning coup. A Rajini hit takes a new avatar with Ajith in the lead, and understandably hype is inevitable. (“Though we didn’t want too much of it,” confesses Ajith.) With probably just a few days to go before the film hits the screens, the buzz is that ‘Billa’ spells style, sheen and chic, in proportions hitherto unseen in Tamil cinema.

“Remakes being the order of the day, I wondered why it has to always be from another language. Why not an old Tamil hit, if the line is going to be interesting for today’s generation?” Ajith begins. The thought stemmed three years ago and the result is ‘Billa’ re-incarnated. Even before you venture your poser, Ajith fields it. “I know. ‘Naan Avan Illai,’ has already paved the way and made it to the victory stand. It makes us even more optimistic about ‘Billa’s run. But my idea, as I told you is more than three years old. Only that I couldn’t find a producer who’d buy it, till I met L. Suresh.”

Their criterion was that the story should hold good even today, and should be about two decades old. The obvious choices were films of Rajini and Kamal. Debates and discussions led the team to ‘Billa.’ But initially producer Suresh was a little apprehensive.

Rajinikanth himself had once said that ‘Billa’ was a turning point in his career. If they were to go ahead they would do so only with Rajini’s blessings, Ajith decided. Around the time Rajini called up Ajith to congratulate him on his performance in ‘Varalaaru.’ So when Ajith went in person to thank him for it, he also asked him about his views on re-making ‘Billa.’ “Excitement was writ large on his face as he earnestly enquired about the proposal,” smiles Ajith. “Through your newspaper, I once again sincerely thank him.” The superstar’s green signal augured well and now ‘Billa’ is all set to roll out.

‘Billa’ is a solid break for director Vishnuvardhan. “We had already decided that Vishnu would helm it. He is so clear and focussed that no time is wasted in dilly-dallying. It was a joy to work with such a highly motivated technician, because the zest is contagious and permeates down to the laziest person on the set,” laughs Ajith. “Cameraman Nirav Shah is another confident youngster, raring to go.”

Two MSV songs from the original, ‘My name is Billa,’ and ‘Vethalaiya Pottaendi,’ have been retained. The cast includes veteran Prabhu, theatre person Yog Jappe and aspiring talent Aditya. And taking care of the glam quotient are the acclaimed queens of the nomenclature, Nayantara and Namita. “They are thorough professionals. ‘Billa’ has an international flavour. And understanding the import, Vishnu’s wife Anu, the costume designer, has worked overtime. The heroines wear clothes that clearly underline the difference between aesthetics and vulgarity. The finesse is incredible,” he compliments. About his dashing looks in ‘Billa,’ “I have to thank Anu for it,” he says. “After ‘Kandu Kondain …’ it is in ‘Billa’ that my costume has been given much attention.” For my part, I was on a strict regimen for the first character … diet, exercise, the works, and put on weight for the other role.”

Ajith has performed some dangerous stunts in ‘Billa,’ under Chinese action choreographer Williams who has worked as a double for the likes of Jackie Chan. “Yes. I have taken a lot of risks, but ‘Billa’ demanded it, because action is its mainstay. He is aware that a lot depends on visual effects and re-recording. “Yuvan’s responsibility is immense. But I know he’ll deliver.”

Of the 110-day schedule, nearly 90 days of work was in Malaysia. “It’s about a don who is being hunted by the Interpol. We had to go international and Malaysia with its sky scrapers and lustrous locales suited our budget,” he explains and adds: “With so much of exposure to the world scene, we better pull up our socks and give our folks well-packaged, sleek products. Going to the cinemas is a costly affair. They ought to get their money’s worth,” is the Parthian shot.

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