Mani Ratnam’sOK Kanmani is a breezy romance around a young couple in a live-in relationship. The movie starring Nithya Menen and Dulquer Salmaan has been compared to his earlier hit Alaipayuthey(2000) ever since its teaser was out. Speaking to the press at a media interaction in Chennai on Saturday, filmmaker Mani Ratnam said:
It’s an urban love story. So it’ll have that look and feel. It’s the next generation. The thinking and behavior are completely different from Alaipayuthey. It is based on today. It’s not based on a real life incident but it’s about this generation.
– Mani Ratnam
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When asked for his comments on live-in relationships, he said, “I’m not saying if it’s right or wrong. I’m not a headmaster to tell you if it’s right or wrong, I’m just reflecting what’s happening in the society today.”
The film’s music has been garnering positive reviews and topping the charts and a jubilant AR Rahman said it was a gratifying experience. “We are very thrilled about the feedback. I hope people accept the movie too, the movie is also very young,” he said.
Working with Mani sir is a great experience. For the last 23 years he has been giving me amazing platforms for me to explore
– AR Rahman
Rahman who has been credited as a lyricist for the songs Mental Manadhil and Kaara Attakkara along with Mani Ratnam confessed, “I’ve been doing it anonymously before. This is the first time we credited ourselves. Like in Mariyaan also we did a couple of words.” Expressing his elation over his son Ameen making his debut in films with the Maula Wa Sallim track in OK Kanmani, he said, “It was his mother’s dream that he made his debut in a Mani Ratnam film.”
Malayalam star and actor Mammootty’s son Dulquer Salmaan exclaimed, “I wish I were in this dream forever. It has been extremely enriching to be part of a film that has legends like Mani Ratnam and PC Sreeram. I feel like I have gained admission into IIT and IIM in doing a Mani Ratnam film. He’s like a University. I’m also happy that the film is releasing on my sister’s birthday.” Dulquer’s earlier attempt in Tamil was Balaji Mohan’s bilingual Vaayai Moodi Pesavum. “OK Kanmani was shot in sync sound and I had to get into the skin of the character to get it right,” he shared.
Former chairperson of CBFC, Leela Samson who plays a pivotal role in the film revealed, “Prakash Raj and me are a couple in Mumbai and Dulquer comes as a Paying Guest to us with his girl. She sings and I’m an ex-singer and the bonding happens. So it’s about how these two couple influence each other.”
OK Kanmani will release along with its Telugu version OK Bangaram on April 17th.
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