Date:03/03/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2006/03/03/stories/2006030302480702.htm

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For a bright tomorrow

"Friendship fascinates me," begins director Udayabanu Maheshwaran (Mahesh to friends). His `Naalai' is about two friends, played by Richard and new face Natraj Subramaniam. But Richard's Tamil releases have not made waves so far _ "Actually I saw him in `A film by Aravind' (Telugu) and was impressed. Only later did I realise it was Richard. I was sure he could deliver. And he has," says Mahesh. `Naalai' is based on Mahesh's personal experience. Incidentally Mahesh has already won accolades as the storywriter of the Hindi film, `Yahaan.'