Vikram is on a roll this year. Two of his releases in 2003 Dhool and Saamy are super hits and he has already become the superstar of the year. The actor is aiming for a hat trick as his Pitamagan is getting ready for Diwali release. At the audio launch of the film he was mobbed by a battalion of fans and visitors. However Vikram took some time off to talk to Sify.com about his latest film and future plans. Excerpts:

How has Pitamagan shaped out?
It was my dream project that has been completed successfully. Bala has done a great job and I am sure that the film will do bumper business.

But there are speculations in the trade about the release date of the film. Will it be ready for Diwali?
Who said so? We have completed the entire shoot and even the patchwork is over. In fact I am sitting with Bala and others to finish the postproduction work. I am certain that Pitamagan will release on October 24 as announced earlier.

Tell us something about the character of the grave digger that you play in the film?
I play the role of Vettiyan (undertaker) in a remote village and my only friend in the whole world is Surya. He is a happy-go-lucky rich guy. It is a buddy-buddy relationship that explores the frontiers of friendship. My characterisation is brilliant and only Bala can do it.

The rumour mills say that Pitamagan story is similar to Unnai Saranadanthen. Please comment.
There is no truth in it and probably our detractors have circulated these stories.

How close are you with Bala?
He is a sort of mentor to me. I owe all my success to him. He had tremendous faith in me when we did Sethu. The film made me what I am today.

What is it that makes you talk in hyperboles about Pitamagan?
When you see the film you can find out for yourself why I am so proud of Piamagan. It is different and unique in all aspects. And perhaps no such film has ever been made in Tamil before!

Is it too classy, with less commercial elements?
It has all the commercial elements and the presentation is unique, which the audience will love (smiles).

What next?
I have been working hard for the last few months and had no rest. So after release I am planning to go abroad with my family for a holiday. After that I will decide on future projects.

What happened to your film with Murugadoss? Is it true that Shankar has signed you ?

Let's say that I have not agreed to Murugadoss’ script and regarding Shankar’s film, let him first finish the script and then we will talk about it.

So you are only driven by scripts?
Absolutely. The story and script are of prime importance to me and nothing else.