Rakesh Roshan's sequel to 'Koi Mil Gaya'- 'Krrish'- is ready. The film is the most awaited release of 2006. But Rakesh is not worried and is chilling on his faith in the film. His films have always worked at the box-office and have been appreciated by the audience. TWF correspondent Vickey Lalwani caught up with the director in his office.

Q: What do you feel about the high expectations from Krrish?
A: Let's hope 'Krrish' works. No maker can guarantee the success of any film. But yes, I know people are looking forward to see the combination of Rajesh Roshan, Hrithik and me. I have tried my best and put my best foot forward and people coming to see this film will get their value of money.

Q: But was the sequel planned?
A: Not really. There was a scope to make it, and so I did. If you observe, I had left an open end in 'Koi Mil Gaya'.

Q: But did the success of 'Koi Mil Gaya' strengthen your belief in making the sequel?
A: Definitely. The success of 'KMG' mattered a lot.

Q: What is 'Krrish' all about?
A: 'Krrish' begins where 'Koi Mil Gaya' ends. So people will see Rohit's son, and definitely not Rohit. Yes, there are a few scenes of Rohit, and there's Preity Zinta in a special appearance- but by and large, 'Krrish' is a different film. It takes you ahead of what happens to Rohit's son.

Q: Why have you shot more than half your film in Singapore this time?
A: It's not the question of time. The locales are chosen by the demand of the script. The film demanded a modern kind of look and so the city with buildings and beautiful landscape suited it perfectly. We found Singapore ideal for that and 60 per cent of the film has been shot there.

Q: Did the Singapore government give the permission easily?
I thank the Singapore government who has been very co-operative.

Q: Priyanka Chopra was your second choice for the heroine... you wanted Ash?
A: That's right. When I approached Aishwarya Rai, she showed keen inclination. But later, I learnt that she was committed to some international projects. So I had to hunt for someone else. I approached Priyanka and she had the dates I wanted. She too suited the role. These things do happen. There is nothing to brood about it.

Q: And she had to lose lots of weight to look good with Hrithik?
A: (a long pause) Not really.

Q: Was Hrithik the only choice for the main role?
A: You may not believe this, but I screen-tested Hritik. Actually this is the procedure I follow in every film and with the star cast. I wanted to make sure that he suited the character needed for the film with make-up and costume on. If he hadn't suited, I might have taken someone else.

Q: How much did he work on his physique?
A: After I told him that he was on, he worked hard on his body and grew his hair to suit the film.

Q: Is the film similar to Superman?
A: Hrithik plays a powerful man here, something of the Rambo kind. He'll be the first super hero in Indian cinema.

The English version of Superman is being planned for a release on the same day, or maybe a week here or there? That is immaterial to me.

Q: Rekha play Hrithik's grandmother here. How did you convince her for the role?
A: She played Hrithik's mother in 'Koi Mil Gaya'. She was hesitant initially to play his grandmother. So I gave her my reasons that I'm making a sequel and if she turns down the role I won't be able to make the film (pauses).

Q: Go on...
A: Just watch her in the granny's role, she is mind blowing!

Q: How did you feel when Hrithik met with an accident at Singapore?
A: Well, so much has been written in the papers. But since you insist, here it is. Hrithik fell off from mid-air. Before I could understand what was happening, I saw Hrithik falling from mid-air in a second. The canopy saved his life. I ran towards him, he gave me the thumbs-up sign, and I heaved a sigh of relief.

Q: You have some foreign technicians on this film?
A: Yes. There are some special effects. I went and met them. They did not understand Hindi. I sat with them and we saw 'Koi Mil Gaya' together. We took it ahead from there.

Q: When do you plan to release the film?
A: I will release it in June.