Filmworld
'Papanasam' more emotional than 'Drishyam': Jeethu Joseph
Chennai, June 29
Director Jeethu Joseph says
actor-filmmaker Kamal Haasan-starrer Tamil thriller "Papanasam", which
releases in cinemas on Friday, has more emotional content than its
original version "Drishyam".
"Papanasam" is the official remake of Mohanlal-starrer Malayalam blockbuster "Drishyam".
"Apart
from changing some sensibilities to suit local audiences, we've made
'Papanasam' more emotional as Kamal sir felt Tamil audiences like to be
emotionally piqued. The core of the film hasn't been changed, but what
forms the core has been treated differently," Joseph told IANS.
The film also features Gauthami, Nivetha Thomas, Kalabhavan Mani, Ananth Mahadevan and Asha Sharath in important roles.
Keeping the core intact, Joseph stays they've still managed to make a lot of changes in the remake.
"It's
not a frame-to-frame copy. Contrary to the original, we've changed the
setting against which the story unfolds in 'Papanasam'. The film is set
in Thirunelveli district and revolves around a Nadar family, unlike a
Christian family in the original," he said, and added most of what
audiences will see in "Papanasam" has been localised with strong family
connect.
He also said it's not advisable to change much in a tried-and-tested remake.
"The
film has already been remade in Telugu and Kannada. In both the
versions, it has been successful because the filmmakers were loyal to
the script. When you try and change much in a script like this, you end
up disturbing logic," he said.
"Papanasam" is Joseph's
directorial debut in the language. He says he has been waiting for an
opportunity to work in Tamil filmdom.
"Even if 'Papanasam' had
not happened, I'd have still made a film in Tamil because I've been
following the work of the industry very closely. I've always wished to
work here. I'm not sure how many get to make their debut with a Kamal
Haasan film. I'm extremely lucky that way," he said.
On working with the legendary actor, Joseph heaped praise on Haasan's "dedication" and "professionalism".
"People
keep asking me how different the experience of working with two legends
Mohanlal and Kamal was. I think you shouldn't compare them as they have
their own style. Kamal sir's dedication is infectious and it worked so
well in the film's favour," he said.
Jeethu also said "Papanasam" won't be a one-off film in the language and that he would love to make more films.