Smelling back-to-back success was director Susi Ganesan in the films Five Star and Virumbigiren . A couple of State awards was in recognition of his efforts and one looked forward to his sojourn. Inexplicably, he went into oblivion. The cheerful news is that he is back in the saddle directing Thirutu Payale . Could not lay my hands on the right script,' was Susi's explanation. 'In my earlier films, the script was the winner. More so in my debut film which had a handful of newcomers. Having earned a reputation, will be happy to keep that tag along for sometime.'        On settling for Kaakha Kaakha-fame

as hero, Susi said 'he fitted in the groove. It's a playboy character with lots of negative shades. Never believed in going by the image of an artiste. The first schedule has been over in quick time. Jeevan has very much looked the part. Sonia Agrawal and Malavika will get the equal footage.'

Planned for a Valentine Day release (February 14), Susi said there has been no constraint on the budget 'with a couple of songs shot in Australia. You will find a lot of freshness in the characters which is what I had tried to capture.'