Veerappan biopic is not meant to hurt anybody

Kannada film director AMR Ramesh is heaving a sigh of relief. With the Madras High Court ruling in favour of his film Attahasa���������s release with a recommendation of just two cuts, Ramesh has won one big battle against Muthulakshmi (the wife of slain forest brigand Veerappan), who allegedly did not want this film made at all. Ramesh tells us about the many hurdles he���������s faced so far and why he will not stop making films based on real life.Excerpts...
Yet another real-life story after Cyanide and Police Quarters. But Attahasa has been in the news forever for the wrong reasons...
I have invested the most time and money in this film. Research for this film began as early as 2006, even before I made Police Quarters. Actual filming took a year, but I have been fighting for approval to release it for over a year. First, it was Veerappan���������s wife Muthulakshmi who raised an objection, and then Nakkeran Gopal. With the film releasing in three south languages, there were three Censor Boards to reckon with ��������� Kannada, Tamil and Telugu. I also had to get clearance from the information and tax departments of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, and finally, the court. I am yet to screen the film for the IPS department and, of course, more importantly, the Rajkumar family. The struggle seems never-ending.
One year of struggle is a long time. Ever thought of giving up along the way?
See, I have tremendous respect for Kamal Haasan and have also been to his home when his film, Vishwaroopam, was banned from being screened in Tamil Nadu. However, a film that has been in trouble for just over 10 days before things got sorted has become the talk of the nation. My film has been stuck for nothing less than a year. It is disappointing. I���������ve pledged my house to make this film. But then, films are my passion and I will not stop making them.
Do you believe filmmakers have lost their freedom of expression?
There is absolutely no freedom for a filmmaker. Just look at the number of hurdles that one has to go through before a film hits the screen. No other profession has to deal with as many. Yes, Muthulakshmi has every right to go to court for this and we fought it out legally. But I find it strange that most of the people who oppose a film have not watched or do not even know what it is about before they make allegations. No filmmaker makes a film with the intention of hurting anybody in any way.
So, which part about your film has led to so many hurdles?
Veerappan was the king of the forest for over 36 years. The film talks about what exactly made him come out of his comfort zone before he was shot to death. I have taken a journalistic approach towards making this film. All that you see in there are real facts ��������� starting from the kidnapping of Kannada matinee idol, Dr Rajkumar to the decisions taken by the government. I have interviewed over 250 people for this ��������� and the list includes the best of cops to criminals who are in jail. My cast includes people who were part of the real story ��������� they play themselves onscreen. The fact that it is the truth may have got people agitated. However, when Nakkeran Gopal, Veerappan���������s close associate, watched the film, he was surprised to see that every bit of information was correct. He hugged me for having made it the way it is. That is a huge compliment.
With the film being under the scanner, do you expect a smooth release?
There have been threats that the screenings will be stopped. We���������ll need to wait and see how things shape up and handle it accordingly.
A film on Veerappan on Valentine���������s Day... sounds strange?
Yes. Let me put it this way ��������� I���������m presenting my love for cinema on the day of love.
Any other real life stories you are looking at adapting for the screen?
Of course. I can���������t make any other kind of film. My next one will be on LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran and, for that, I will ensure that I do not make the mistakes I made when I started making Attahasa. I will approach Sonia Gandhi and her family for all required permissions before I begin work on my next.