Vijay could not do films like Mammootty and Mohanlal were doing then: Swargachitra Appachan
Friends was a film written and directed by Siddique. The film starring Jayaram, Mukesh and Srinivasan was a huge hit. The highest grossing film of that year was remade into Tamil with the same name. Produced by Swargachitra Appachan, this film featured Vijay, Suriya and Ramesh Khanna in the lead roles. Swargachitra Appachan talks about Vijay coming to this film. He was speaking in an interview with Iris Celluloid.
“I once went to watch the shooting of Pachikka Aniyathi Prav when it was being remade in Tamil. The hero was a young man named Vijay. Pachika then called him Vijay. He pointed at me and said this is a Malayalam film producer. Vijay then respectfully pulled his chair and sat beside me. He was a very small Czech. At that time I wanted to make a Tamil film with him as the hero.
Just wondering if you would give me a date. Vijay replied that he can do it then. Vijay then told me that when a really good Malayalam film like Aniyathi Prav comes out, he will remake it. Being young at that time, Vijay could do more than just a love story. He cannot do films like Mammootty and Mohanlal. That’s why the movie Friends is happening.
Seeing that, I thought Vijay can do this. I told this to Siddique. Siddique had not done Tamil films at that time. Earlier Vijay promised me to create a hit film. I knew that Vijay had told me that day. I went to Vijay and discussed this matter. I was told to watch Friends Malayalam first.
After watching the film, Vijay said it was good. Father SA who was with Vijay at that time. Mr. Chandrasekhar said that it would have been better if the ending of the film had been changed a little. Sir then said that the director should take a decision. When Siddique was contacted and informed about the issue, he too agreed to make a slight change in the maximum. That’s how Vijay gives dates and that’s how the film happens,’ said Swargachitra Appachan.
Content Enhancement: Swargachithra Appachan Talks About Vijay’s Film And Friends