The actor, who was yearning and craving to be part of Mani Ratnam film since his college days. is all thrilled with Raavanan as his dream desire has been fulfilled - not once but twice. Vikram plays two contrasting roles in the Tamil and Hindi versions of the movie, directed by Mani Ratnam.

Raavanan boasts of big names like Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Prithiviraj, Priyamani, Prabhu and Karthik. A thrilled Vikram describes Mani as a master craftsman. According to him, ‘his passion for cinema is contagious. It eventually makes one addictive to it’.

Talking to News Today on a cool afternoon, the actor took us through his experiences working in Raavanan. Over to Vikram.

Q: How was it working with Mani Ratnam?

A: He is a filmmaker par excellence. I consider him as one of the best directors I’ve worked with. I once thought that I should bid adieu to cinema after doing at least one film with him. His passion for cinema is contagious. It eventually makes one addictive to it. Having done two films with him (Raavan and Raavanan), I can say that all my experience was simply magical.

Q: What were the difficulties involved in doing two contrasting characters for two different versions?

A: It is always a challenge to work with Mani. To play Dev (in Hindi) and Veera (in Tamil) demands huge work as both are totally different characters with contrasting style and body language. I was thrilled to know that no actor had tried this in any part of the world before. Unlike other Mani movies, Raavanan has got lots of dialogues. When he informed me that I should dub my own in Hindi, I was taken aback. I had some tough time doing it, but it has come out well. All said and done, it was for the audience to decide.

Q: How has Raavanan shaped up?

A: Fantastic. We shot in deep jungles and worked tirelessly. All pains were gone when we saw the movie on screen. It’s all sheer Mani’s magic.  With each film I learn new things. Mani Ratnam’s approach towards characters is unique. Basically, I am a director’s actor and whatever they say I just reproduce. My role in Raavanan is very close to my heart,

Q: Are you planning to do Hindi movies in future?

A: I have been getting some offers from Bollywood. Tamil cinema will always be my priority. But I am ready to fo Hindi, Bengali or Bhojpuri films if the character inspires me.

Q: Comment on your co-star Aishwarya Rai?

A: She is wonderful colleague. A thorough professional, my comfort level with her was very high.

Q: What’s your forthcoming ventures?

A: Post Raavanan , I am working with director Boopathy Pandian for a police story. But there is a lot of humour in it.  Also I am working with Selvaraghavan and plans are on to do movies with Ameer, Hari and Vasantha Balan.