Yeah he openly commented when media asked why didn't he opt for IR for Tenali, with Kamal in the lead, who simply loves IR. His answer was "Kamalukku pidithaal podhumaa, makkalukku pidikka vendaamaa"
I remember how irritated and angry I was on reading that.
But after "Kaadhal konden"'s success, he told in a interview that, he was bowled over by Yuvan's music and signed him for "Ethiree"
IMHO, KSR is a pucca business person, who bets his money on successful horses of that particular time.