Dhanush, Aanand L Rai and Aishwarya Rajinikanth at a launch event in Mumbai

The actor admits that he has initiated the process of acquiring the rights of Sriram Raghavan’s sleeper hit for a Tamil version; also plans to reunite with Aanand L Rai
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 5, 2019)

On a rare visit to Mumbai to launch his debut Hollywood film, The Extraordinary Journey Of The Fakir, Dhanush admitted that he has stopped signing on for remakes since 2009. However, Sriram Raghavan’s 2018 sleeper hit, Andhadhun, featuring Ayushmann Khurrana as a ‘blind’ pianist, has caught his attention. “It’s a brilliant film and we have already started the process of acquiring the rights. It’s one of those thrillers which I wouldn’t mind remaking in Tamil,” he shared.

For now though, the focus is on Romain Puertolas’ novel which he is officially adapting on screen. The actor, making a style statement in an overcoat worn over a T-shirt, revealed that the author, who has also written the screenplay, and his director, Ken Scott, came down to India for research. “I had no creative inputs to offer, I just went there and shot for it,” he smiled. The Extraordinary Journey Of The Fakir was screened at the Cannes Film Festival last year and has been shot in real locations in France, Italy, Libya and Mumbai. “I’m thrilled by the response to it on the festival circuit.”

Dhanush made his Bollywood debut with Aanand L Rai’s 2013 romantic saga Raanjhanaa, also featuring Sonam Kapoor and Abhay Deol in a special appearance. The film was a success and ever since then there have been speculations about the actor reuniting with Rai. “We keep discussing a lot of ideas. I’ll definitely work with him again,” Dhanush asserted, adding that he has signed a Hindi film and an official announcement will be made in a couple of weeks.

Wonder, if it’s Aanand L Rai’s next...