'Mani Ratnam isn't a fan of horror films'

Milind Rau, who assisted Mani Ratnam for seven years, has turned a director with Siddharth-starrer Aval. A Hindi-Tamil bilingual, the Hindi version is titled The House Next Door. The makers are also dubbing the film in Telugu, with the title Gruham (House).

"We made sure we completed the shooting before starting our promotions. Siddharth plays a neurosurgeon and Andrea plays his wife. The film depicts the relationship between husband and wife, and also has something more, which I can't reveal now," Milind tells us.

Shot extensively in and around Himachal Pradesh and Manali, the makers have completed the film in 60 days in both the languages.

Siddharth and Milind know each other from the days when they assisted Mani Ratnam in Kannathil Mutthamitaal. "We wrote the film together, and he's producing it. I am sure no one could have done justice to the role like he did," says Milind.

The filmmaker feels Andrea is also the apt choice for the film. "We wanted someone who had both North and South Indian looks," he says.

Did he show the film to Mani Ratnam? "No, he's not a fan of horror films," he laughs.

Aval, which is likely to release next month, has Atul Kulkarni, Suresh, and Avinash of Jil Jung Juk fame in supporting roles.