Kabali director Pa. Ranjith has spilled the beans on the roles played by Rajinikanth, Radhika Apte and Dhansika in the film, which has been wrapped up in 115 days after shooting in various locations including Malaysia, Thailand, Chennai and Goa.
According to director Ranjith, ardent Rajinikanth fans will be in for a mild heartbreak since Thalaivar won’t mouth any smashing punch dialogues in his inimitable style in the film.
Rajini sir plays a gangster who is short-tempered but oozes with self-confidence. He will not speak any punch dialogues but a lot of meaningful lines that will tug at your heartstrings.Pa.Ranjith, Filmmaker
Ranjith is all praise for Radhika Apte, who plays the role of Rajinikanth’s wife in the film. “When we zeroed in on Radhika Apte for this role, people bluntly criticized our choice and threw brickbats. But she has scored with her extraordinary performance, exceeding all our expectations. She has lived in her role as Kumudhavalli, a gardener. We shot a lovely song on Rajinikanth and Radhika Apte in Goa, which depicts the intimate relationship of a couple after several years of marriage. She has done it brilliantly with her lovely facial expressions,” says director Ranjith.
Contrary to rumours that Dhansika plays the role of Rajinikanth’s daughter, Ranjith clarified that she plays Yogi, a tomboyish gangster who hails from Thailand and takes Rajinikanth head-on.
While Kishore of Aadukalam fame plays a Malaysian gangster and is pitted against Rajinikanth, Taiwanese actor Winston Chao, best known for his roles in Ang Lee’s Eat Drink Man Woman and The Wedding Banquet, essays the role of Rajinikanth’s arch-nemesis in the movie.
The post-production work has already started and Rajinikanth is expected to start dubbing for the film soon. Producer Kalaipuli S Thanu is planning to release the film towards the end of May or early June after the state assembly elections.