In an exclusive chat with Cinema Express, 3BHK director Sri Ganesh opened up about the lasting impact Rajinikanth has had on his life and filmmaking dreams.
“After 8 Thottakkal released, Rajini sir called and appreciated me. That was a huge moment in my career. I hope he watches 3BHK and connects with it too,” he shares.
A long-time fan of Breaking Bad, Sri Ganesh recalls imagining Rajinikanth as Heisenberg when he first watched the show. “Back in 2013-14, I couldn’t stop thinking about how well he’d fit that role. I think Nelson attempted something along those lines in Jailer, and audiences loved it.”
If given the chance to collaborate with Rajinikanth, Sri Ganesh says he’d draw from his own strengths to bring out the best in the actor. “I’d love to create something like the canteen scene from 8 Thottakkal. I’m confident I can make a compelling film that taps into his full potential.”
For the director, it’s not just Rajinikanth's screen presence that inspires; it’s also his work ethic and humility. “Even at this age, Rajini sir continues to do films, not for money or fame, but purely because of his passion. On sets, he never retreats to his caravan after a shot. Like any other actor, he stays around, watching the shoot, observing everything. I’ve heard many such stories about him, and they’ve always inspired me.”
He adds, “Even today, when a good film releases, he takes the time to watch it and personally call the filmmaker with words of encouragement. That simple gesture, his call to appreciate 8 Thottakkal, has been a driving force for me over the last eight years. Whenever I felt low, I reminded myself of that moment.”
Among the many Rajini moments that have stayed with him, there’s one dialogue that’s become a personal mantra: 'Nallavana andavan sodhipaan, aana kai vida maataan; kettavana sodhikka maataan, aana kai vitruvaan.' 'That line has really helped me through difficult situations,” he says.
Sri Ganesh made his directorial debut with the Vetri-MS Bhaskar film, 8 Thottakkal. His sophomore directorial was Kuruthi Aattam, starring Atharvaa in the lead. His upcoming film, 3BHK, revolves around a middle-class family of four whose only aspiration in life is to build a house to call their own.
3BHK stars Siddharth, Sarath Kumar, Devayani, Meetha Raghunath and Chaithra Achar in lead roles. Yogi Babu, Subbu Panchu and Vivek Prasanna play supporting roles in the film. The film is backed by Arun Viswa, under his Shanthi Talkies banner. The production house previously backed Sivakarthikeyan’s Maaveeran.
The technical crew of 3BHK comprises cinematographers Dinesh B Krishnan and Jithin Stanislaus, editor Ganesh Siva, and music composer Amrit Ramnath. The film is all set to hit theatres on July 4 alongside Ram-Shiva’s Paranthu Po, Anl Arasu-Surya Vijay Sethupathi’s Phoenix and Uday K-Keerthi Pandian’s Akkenam.
