Sibi Malayil reveals why he backed out of Kamal Haasan’s Gunaa

Sibi Malayil was supposed to make his Tamil debut with Kamal Haasan starrer Gunaa, but it didn't materialize.

Chennai | Updated: March 18, 2024 10:25 PM IST

2 min read

Sibi Malayil reveals why he couldn't direct Gunaa

Sibi Malayil reveals why he couldn't helm Gunaa. (Image: Instagram/Jeo Malayil)

Veteran filmmaker Sibi Malayil in a recent interview opened up about his failed collaboration with Kamal Haasan. While the whole of Tamil Nadu and Kerala are celebrating Kamal’s Gunaa again as it was referenced in the recent Malayalam hit Manjummel Boys, Sibi revealed why he passed on the opportunity to helm the film.

In an interview with The New Indian Express, Sibi was asked about the failed collaboration. Back in the 90s, Kamal and Sibi planned to team up for a Tamil movie. Initially, it was supposed to be produced by Raj Kamal Films International’s manager DNS. Sibi revealed that they were planning to make a commercial film based on the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka. However, Kamal later dropped the idea due to the controversial subject. Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination laid the final nail on the coffin.

ALSO READ | Watch wholesome video of Kamal Haasan interacting with Manjummel Boys team at his office

Later, the duo planned to make Gunaa. However, Sibi Malayil was simultaneously busy with his film Bharatham, starring Mohanlal in the lead role. “Kamal expressed interest in portraying a slightly eccentric character, which led us to develop the idea of Gunaa. I roped in Sab John, who shared a good rapport with Kamal and me, and cinematographer Venu. We also sought the help of Tamil writer Balakumaran. As discussions on Gunaa prolonged, I had to shift focus to my ongoing project, Bharatham,” he was quoted as saying.

“During its shoot, Kamal reached out, informing me of a photoshoot. However, I had prior commitments in Kanchipuram, close to Bharatham’s release date. When I reached Kamal’s office after completing my work in Kanchipuram, he was upset. That misunderstanding led to our parting ways,” he said.

Kamal Haasan finished Gunaa with his close associate Santhana Bharathi as director. Venu and Sab remained in the crew, but Sibi didn’t even visit the sets of Gunaa.

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