Six months after Sundar C decided to exit from Rajinikanth's Thalaivar 173 backed by Kamal Haasan, the actor-director-politician has now broken his silence on why he had to quit.
For the unversed, Kamal Haasan's Raaj Kamal Films International announced back in October last year that they would be producing a film starring Rajinikanth and helmed by Sundar C. In November, Kamal Haasan confirmed the filmmaker's exit from the project, following which Ciby Chakravarthy had been chosen.
Speaking to Behindwoods, Sundar C first explained the kind of project that Rajinikanth was interested in for his 173rd film. “Rajinikanth sir wanted to do a proper family entertainer like the films he did in the ’90s," he revealed. Then, when asked what made him leave despite locking in the concept, he said, "Honestly, the pressure was overwhelming. For the last 16 years, I’ve been making films purely based on my instincts and what I believe works for the audience."
Interestingly, the director revealed that despite delivering a hit like Arunachalam with Rajinikanth nearly 30 years ago, their creative sensibilities didn’t quite align for Thalaivar 173. “During Arunachalam, Rajini sir and I would discuss every scene and dialogue in detail. But it’s been nearly 30 years now — our images and sensibilities have evolved, and things don’t align the same way anymore," he shared.
Sundar C then elaborated on what went through his mind when he made the decision to step away. "With a big project like this, it can’t be just my voice. I realised I wouldn’t be able to stay true to the film or the people involved. That’s why I chose to walk away at a very early stage," he clarified, adding, "I also struggle to communicate my vision during narration. I tend to compromise easily instead of standing my ground."
The Gangers director assured that this neither means an end for a collaboration with Rajinikanth nor an end for the story he had in mind. "That idea is still very much alive — if not with him, I’ll definitely explore it with another hero," he said, adding that he informed Rajinikanth before he decided to step away. “Rajini sir is still open to collaborating. He told me, ‘Whenever you’re ready, we can do a film together.’ As for Kamal Haasan sir, he never interfered in the creative process."
While Cibi was nominated as the replacement for Sundar C, speculations are now rife that the film has moved from his hands to those of Ashwath Marimuthu, due to creative differences. However, the makers are yet to officially confirm the same. Cibi earlier said that the film is scheduled to go on floors in April-May, but it is yet to commence.
Meanwhile, Sundar C has two films in the pipeline as director. He has completed production on Mookuthi Amman 2, headlined by Nayanthara. He is filming Purushan, starring Vishal, Tamannaah, and Yogi Babu in lead roles. He recently contested in the Tamil Nadu State Assembly elections as a candidate from the Madurai Central Assembly constituency on behalf of the Puthiya Needhi Katchi.
