Ajay Devgn and I are not even marching through the same market places: Kamal Haasan

In Paapnasam, the Tamil version of Drishyam, out this Friday, Kamal Haasan plays a common man who attempts to protect his family.
We caught up with the star to ask him about the film, how he identified with the character in the film and his thoughts on the obvious comparisons likely to crop up between Drishyam and Paapnasam.

Excerpts....

Paapnasam is about a man preserving his family from extraneous threats. How much of a threat do you feel has 'civil' society got to endure from lawless forces?
All families face extraneous threats. Today any family kitchen is threatened by spurious cooking material. The children's education is threatened by dubious education which has lost its integral standard and also costs an exorbitant amount. The whole country is threatened by substandard politics irrespective of their brand or philosophy.

Since you play the father of two daughters - you happen to be one in real life - how much did you identify with the character?
Even if I had three sons instead of three daughters, I personally would feel threatened in this intolerant country. I am fortunate that I atl east have a voice that I can raise for causes I believe in.

What was it like working with Gautami again? Your assessment of her performance?
Gautami has done very well and has grown in understanding of her craft better, in absentia. I think the distance and years have helped her get a vantage view. The tragedy with actors who are female and are learning on the job is this. When they fully grasp their craft, it will be time for them to retire. Gautami has beaten that tragedy, thanks to Drishyam alias Paapanaasam.

Drishyam, the Hindi version of your film Paapnasam, features Ajay Devgn. Headlines in Mumbai scream you've stolen a march over Devgn by releasing first. Your comment?
Devgn and I are not even marching through the same marketplaces. So his goods and march stay unstolen. If at all, the success of Paapanasam would fuel the success of Drishyam's Hindi version. When that happens,, Mr. Devgan and team should include me as a silent spectator at least in their celebrations. All the best to Paapanasam and the Hindi Drishyam.