Prakash Raj says K Balachander hired actors not based on caste; Mani Ratnam’s filmmaking was very different: ‘He would appreciate KB, but…’

“During his time, there was Ilaiyaraaja, and then suddenly I saw AR Rahman and Mani Ratnam coming, who have a very different way of making films. I was very lucky to blend and have them fine-tune me. Mani would appreciate Balachander, but he would not want that (KB) school of acting. I think my success is immediately realising and adapting to it,” he added.

After making his silver screen debut in the Kannada film industry, Prakash Raj entered the realm of Tamil cinema by playing a pivotal role in Balachander’s Duet (1994). Since then, Prakash has appeared in all the films helmed by the director. The actor also donned the producer’s hat for Balachander’s last directorial venture, Poi (2006).

While Bombay (1995) marked the first film that Prakash joined forces with Mani Ratnam, the duo’s most revered work remains Iruvar (1997). The two also collaborated in Kannathil Muthamittal (2002), O Kadhal Kanmani (2015), Chekka Chivantha Vaanam (2018), and the Ponniyin Selvan films.