Finally, Kamal Haasan's [Images] much anticipated action flick, Vettayadu Vilayadu (directed by Gowtham Menon), is ready to roll on August 16.

The first phase of shooting will take place in Chennai. Expectations are high as Menon's last film Kaakha Kaakha was considered the best action film made in Tamil, while Haasan's action films have done wonderfully well in the past.

The man going to shoot the film is Ravi Varman, fresh off the huge success of Anniyan. His camera work, especially towards the end of that movie, has been widely appreciated as one of its high points.

Like Menon, working with Haasan was a dream come true for Varman as well. He, too, grew up watching Haasan's films like 16 Vayathinile, Raja Parvai, Nayakan and Thevar Magan. According to the cinematographer, Raja Paarvai is a classic.

"I never thought I would one day be shooting his films," says Varman. "I first got to know Kamal Sir while working on Marudunayagam as an assistant cinematographer to Ravi K Chandran. He was kind, helpful and appreciative. It was he who arranged a press conference to announce my winning an international award. As an artiste, I have no words to describe him. I can only say that there is no one like him."

Varman has worked with Menon before, as an assistant cameraman in Minnale. "He has been a good friend of mine ever since. I also shot the famous song Vaseegara for the film. I was fascinated by Menon's script for Vettayadu Vilyadu. It is so good that I am sure it will give me a chance to give it an interesting, different look. I want people to say it is a totally different Kamal film." The box office, as always, awaits.