“Thrill of 3 Idiots hits you in stages” - Madhavan

Madhavan is one of the 3 Idiots in the namesake film which is up for release. Meanwhile, he is also happy being in the company of the bigger idiot - Aamir Khan. For someone who is regularly doing multi starers as well as solo affairs when it comes to Hindi flicks, he isn't doing quite bad for himself in the big bad city of Mumbai.

Even though all around perception is that Aamir would hog all the limelight in this much awaited film, Madhavan is chilled out about that. He believes that if this perception helps bring in the audiences into the theaters, it would only be beneficial for all.

"The entire point is that audiences should come into theaters to watch the film. After that it is up to all of us to make sure that they stay with us throughout. As audiences, you are just seeing the final results while us actors have been a part of this journey for more than a year", smiles Madhavan who was last seen in 13 B that saw quite some critical acclaim coming it's way and also did reasonably well at the box office.

He is one of the rare actors from down South who has been consistently making a mark in Bollywood every year. In 2006, it was Rang De Basanti, 2007 had Guru and 2008 saw Mumbai Meri Jaan. In the current year, after 13 B he would now be wrapping it up with 3 Idiots. Quite a happy situation, isn't it?

"Yes, it is a happy situation when I look at the years gone by and quite thrilling if I talk about 3 Idiots in isolation. The fact is, when you get to do a movie like 3 Idiots, the thrill hits you in stages", he exclaims.

And what really were these stages?

R Madhavan "The first thrill was due to the fact that I was working with Aamir (Khan) again after Rang De Basanti. Not many actors get this opportunity. Second thrill was when after giving a screen test, it became a reality that I was indeed working on the film. The third thrill was when I actually started going through the reading process in order to prepare for my role. This is the kind of moment when you end up saying - 'Oh my God, this is really happening'", he describes.

This is not all as he goes ahead and mentions the ultimate thrill of having worked in 3 Idiots. "You know what's the ultimate thrill that you get as an actor? That's when you reach the location; give your shot, the director says cut and then comes to you running to give you a hug. These are the kind of things that are just incomparable. In fact they are priceless. I remember Vidhu (Vinod Chopra) also coming up and saying that 'Madhavan, you have done a fantastic job'. Really, what more does one want", questions Madhavan.

Looking at the promos of 3 Idiots, one can't really pin point on one genre in particular. So in this Raj Kumar Hirani affair, are we looking at a light hearted outing, a drama, a feel good family film or something else?

"Ask me", laughs Madhavan, "After seeing the film, even I am trying to figure out that what sort of film is it actually. For the first time in my career, I am stumped with this query. Like in case of 13 B, I knew that it was a thriller and not a horror flick but when it comes to 3 Idiots, I have no idea and I don't quite know how to classify the film."

He further goes on to reflect, "In fact limiting it to one category would be untrue. The film encompasses all the 'navrasa' and though it may seem a little exaggerated, the fact is that whether it is comedy, drama, thrills or tragedy, it has just about everything."

Talking about movies other than 3 Idiots, it clearly appears that life has come back full circle for him. After Rehna Hai Terre Dil Mein, he is are now being seen in his first ever Bollywood love story with the shooting of Anand Rai directed Tanu Weds Manu going on in full swing.

"Yes, you can say that", he agrees, "Rehna Hai Terre Dil Mein was released way back in 2002 and ever since then I have wanted to do a love story. Now that it has materialized with Tanu Weds Manu, I am more than glad. Kangna is amazingly committed. She has been a wonderful co-star and genuinely excited about the film. She is a true professional."