AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

        In a now-or-never situation, the pressure was on Saravanan. Making the most of that lifeline, the actor is breathing a lot easier after passing the audience verdict in Paruthiveeran.

        Though Kaarthi had the plum role, Saravanan's support as 'Sithappu' has to be seen in the right perspective. His good work earning the appreciation of Rajnikanth is the ultimate award for him.

        'Even If I had won an Oscar, the joy would not have been the same. He appreciated my good work and the gentle advice was to keep up the good work. What else I could have asked for.'

        Call it gut feeling, Saravanan knew that he was part of a winning project even when the shoot was in the early days. 'The very name Ameer was good enough for me to pack my bags and scoot to village. For the first 10 days or so, had nothing to do except watch the proceedings from close quarters. That phase was suffice to have an idea of the script and the impact it will have on the masses.'

        With his 22-film experience - some as producer too - Saravanan knew his job. But this was one character beyond his wildest imagination. 'Once you start living with the character, it becomes simpler. Possibly, this was what Ameer had in mind. It was a fascinating experience and the success is due to the team work. Everyone lived with the character rather than enacting.'

        The huge success has paved the doors open for the still hungry Saravanan. He had his good and bad times, having learned his lessons the hard way. With the film into its second week, offers have been coming at a rapid pace.

        Like an obedient schoolboy, he looks to Ameer for the words of advice. All he got from the master was to take a break and come with his batteries charged. Saravanan is already on the job.