R Madhavan on Kesari Chapter 2: 'Films made for the right reasons have a soul'
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Every once in a while, a film comes along that the actors know is a legacy project and R. Madhavan, Kesari Chapter 2 by Karan Singh Tyagi, is among them.
R Madhavan reflects on the timelessness of certain films
The actor told Mid Day that, to put it simply, it is a timeless film. Among them were Rang De Basanti [2006] and 3 Idiots [2009]. The sensation seeps into one's very bones. While filming 3 Idiots, Madhavan warned Rajkumar Hirani that he would be hard-pressed to top this one. When asked about Karan Singh Tyagi, the actor told the same thing.
As C. Sankaran Nair, played by Akshay Kumar, confronts the British Raj for minimising their responsibility in the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, Kesari Chapter 2 provides a dramatic recounting of history. The Crown's lawyer, played by Madhavan, is Neville McKinley. Even if his involvement isn't particularly pivotal, it fits in with the actor's quest for meaningful stories perfectly.
Small role in bigger story
To be a small part of something bigger is his goal and everyone wins if the plot pans out. The reason he makes the type of films he does is because he's not serious about his popularity. Who is standing before him? Madhavan would like to know how much time he would spend in front of the screen if he were to take it seriously. His producers would be happy to help them out. The actor clarifies that he has never enquired about the poster's dimensions.
Madhavan was reassured that the historical drama was being done for the right reasons when he stepped into it. After seeing Akshay 's dedication to the film, his trust grew even more.
Shooting a crucial scene before release
Madhavan (watch Vikram Vedha) as phoned at four in the morning by Akshay two weeks before the release, he recalled. According to him, even though their battle is progressing smoothly, his character will emerge victorious in the end. Madhavan prefers not to be the one who receives less attention. A final scene was what he desired. Akshay flew down from Dubai, while he flew down from Chennai. They shot it two weeks before its release. One can tell it's a special project when people are making extra efforts to complete it.
Madhavan contemplates the qualities that set a film apart, as he is currently at a phase where he gives preference to emotionally engaging films.
Importance of heart over scale in filmmaking
It's the first time he has ever witnessed an audience patiently waiting for the final credits to roll. The editing process ultimately determines the fate of a film. A large-scale film may be soulless. Alternatively, he explains that it could be a small film done for the right reasons and boom, it becomes a Tanu Weds Manu (watch Tanu Weds Manu Returns) or this.
