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        After his jinxed movies, Nandha now seems to be making the right moves in Kollywood. He has a couple of projects ready for release (Aaniver and Urchagam). Both different from each other, but looking to leave an impact on the audience.

        Aaniver - The Tap Root deals in detail about the atrocities being committed against Tamils in the neighbouring island nation (Sri Lanka). Shot entirely in war-torn Jaffna and Kilinochi regions, Nandha plays a sincere doctor, who refuses to give up the task of helping hapless Tamils. The effort at getting the sui generis Sinhala - Tamil dialect shows that Nanda is taking his craft seriously.

        Directed by John Mahendran, son of veteran director Mahendran, the movie doesn't make any reference to the LTTE or their activities. Nor does it make preach or take a moral stand. It merely holds a camera to a poignant tale. And that works.

        Says Nandha: 'Aaniver has made a tremendous impact in Sri Lankan Tamil pockets worldwide. We first released it with a single print in London, and seeing the response we took it to every nook and corner there. The movie was succesful in Canada too'.

        'It is yet to be censored in India. We are confident that it will be given a clean chit and make it to theatres soon,' adds Nandha.

        A quick chat with a beaming Nandha

        Q: How did you land up with a role in a movie with a sensitive theme?

        A: One of my friends was working as John's associate. When I enquired to him about John, he informed me that he is keen on doing a movie on Elam Tamils.

        Since I have a interest in the subject, I immediately approached John with a request to cast me in the movie. Fortunately John had immense faith in me and gifted me the lead role. Working in the movie had made me more responsible and matured now.

        Q: How was it to shoot in troubled Jaffna and Kilinochi areas?

        A: It was indeed a different experience. There were no caravans and no avid fans thronging to get a glimpse of the artistes.

        I was moved to see the damage the war had caused in those areas.

        Yet, people were friendly and cooperated with us. They still love their home town and live with a lot of hope that all troubles would end soon.

        Q: How did you prepare yourself to do the role of a Lankan Tamil?

        A: I did immense research before commencing the shooting. Lankans speak chaste Tamil. I underwent special training to speak that kind of Tamil. The way they speak Tamil differs from one region to another. It took me several months to get my act right. With able guidance from John, I managed to pull it off.

        Q: Will you continue to act in such serious movies in future?

        A: I will. It is rare to come across such films. An actor gets immense satisfaction, when he is offered such challenging roles.