Actor Rajinikanth couldn’t contain his admiration for fellow actor Fahadh Faasil at the recently held audio launch event for their upcoming film Vettaiyan. At the event, the superstar not only heaped praise for Amitabh Bachchan and director TJ Gnanavel, but also admitted that he was uncertain about having Fahadh in the film, mostly because he didn’t associate the Malayalam star with an over-the-top character. Rajinikanth admitted in his speech that he hadn’t seen more than two films starring Fahadh, but Gnanavel was certain.

After working with him, however, the superstar was converted into an admirer. “What an artiste Fahadh is. I have never seen a natural artiste like him ever before. Hats off to him. He won’t stay in his trailer. One won’t know where he is, but as soon as you call him for a shot, he will come running and finish his portion in no time. He is extraordinary.”

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About his initial uncertainty about having Fahadh in the film, he admitted, “There is a character in this movie that’s quite unique. I have never seen or heard of a character like this before. Gnanavel suggested that we cast Fahadh Faasil. When Gnanavel suggested his name, I was doubtful because this character is an entertainer. I haven’t watched a lot of Fahadh films and have only seen two of his Tamil movies — Vikram and Maamannan. In both those movies, he played very serious characters. But Gnanavel was certain.”

He said that Fahadh agreed to the role, but requested that production be postponed because he had some prior commitments to fulfil. “Though Fahadh agreed, he requested if we could push the shooting by two months since he had a lot of commitments. Gnanavel sir asked me and I told him Lokesh sir was waiting there to begin the movie (Coolie) and that too with Sun Pictures. However, I asked Sun and they said it would be better if you talk to Lokesh. Then I talked to him and Lokesh said, ‘Sir, please take your time.’ I think he hadn’t written our story properly at that time.”

Fahadh is seen as one of the finest Indian actors of his generation, and most recently starred in the hit Malayalam film Aavesham. He has also worked in Tamil cinema, most notably in Lokesh Kannagaraj’s Vikram, in which he played the antagonist. Rajinikanth’s last film was the blockbuster Jailer, while Amitabh Bachchan most recently played a supporting role in the blockbuster Kalki 2898 AD. Vettaiyan will be released in theatres on October 10.