He was heartbroken when his earlier Tamil production, Kaaka Muttai did not make it as India's entry to the Oscars last year. But that was then; with Visaaranai being chosen for the Academy Awards this year, Dhanush is ecstatic.

You must be feeling like a million bucks...
I got a call saying Viaaranai was being selected as India's official entry for the Oscars. All our patience has paid off.

Did you have a hunch when making this film that it would receive such widespread appreciation and acclaim?
To be very honest, not really. I just believed in Vetri, and I wanted to produce the film. It was a beautiful project. I knew the film would definitely work nationally, but Vetri Maaran (director) has crossed the borders! It's after 16 years that a Tamil film has been chosen for this honour. I am very happy for him and for my production house. It sure does feel nice.

With a couple of National Awards under its belt and recognition at the Venice International Film Festival, did you think that the Oscar selection would be a breeze?
Well, last year, I was very disappointed and heartbroken when Kaaka Muttai wasn't selected. We have a vision and we produce films based on that vision. I had this big, big feeling - or call it what you may - in my heart that Kaaka Muttai would not only be selected as India's official entry at the Oscars but that it would also win the Oscar.S o, this time I did not get my hopes too high. Everything happens when it has to, and everything falls in place at the right time. Visaaranai deserves to be there, and I am very happy it has happened.

What do you think are its chances at the Oscars?
I can't predict, but we are hoping and praying for the best. I am sure the entire cinema audience from India will root for Visaaranai.

What now?
I really don't know what it takes, and what to do. Vetri and I have met a few times and are discussing what is to be done next. We will need a lot of rescheduling our dates. I have no idea of the formalities; Vetri surely will know more about it. Very soon we will have a plan of action ready. We will do whatever it takes.

What do you think of the other films that were in contention?
I have watched Sairat, and Thithi. Both are great films, and many congratulations to the filmmakers for making these successful and critically acclaimed films. I am happy Visaaranai got chosen, but these two are beautiful films, too. And I am sure I'll see more such work coming from these filmmakers.

VETRI MAARAN (Director of Visaaranai)
“This was a very unexpected thing. And when I think this is the beginning of a new journey, it's exciting, and spurs me on to get on with the job at hand. Now, I am getting ready to figure out what's the next step to take this film forward, and learning the processes involved. We have to understand the voting system of the Oscars, and how things work there. I have been told it is different from our awards ceremonies. But we will research, understand and get on the job immediately. I am thankful to everyone involved in this film, and the audience for their appreciation. Visaaranai is a film that is very relevant throughout the world. Wherever there is a polluted system, it's definitely relevant, and that is what makes the film cutting edge. I don't know what next or how or where my film journey is going to take me from here. Right now, I've just got a load of responsibilities to live up to. I am someone who does things for the moment, lives in the present, without worrying about the future.“