Actor Vishnu made an unusual debut with Vennila Kabadi Kuzhu and, barring some costly departures, followed it up with films that were backed by a solid script and called for subtle acting. For the first time, the actor is going commercial with director Ezhil’s Velainu Vandhutta Vellaikaaran, the audio of which will be launched tomorrow.
Excerpts from an interview:
What tempted you to produceVelainu Vandhutta Vellaikaaran?
I really liked the script and signed up to act in it, but there came a time when the film faced a production delay. Director Ezhil wondered if he should pitch the idea somewhere else, but I really wanted to be a part of this film, and decided to produce it. Ezhil sir is the line producer.
From a reluctant actor to a producer… how has the journey been?
Most of my movies have been concept based and aimed at a certain audience, but I always wanted to do a film that catered to all. Turning producer was a sudden decision. It’s been a learning experience and I’m able to bring everything that I picturised the film to be on screen.
It allows you better control over the final product. I’ve always admired how closely someone like C.V. Kumar works with the creative team to promote a film. I was able to do that with this film. Of course, it meant having to take decisions, but in retrospect, it’s been a great ride.
Donning two hats can be a lot of work. Were there any clashes between Vishnu Vishal the actor and producer?
(Laughs) Not really. Instead, there was great pressure to perform as an actor. For instance, I’ve danced in all the songs for the first time. That’s a huge challenge for me. Once, we had to finish shooting a song in two days. I was exhausted as an actor, but the producer in me reminded me that another day meant more money! The actor fell in line.
The title is intriguing…
Yes, when you travel in the villages, they refer to someone who works very efficiently as ‘Velainu Vandhutta Vellaikaaran’. But, my character is the opposite, who manages to ruin everything he’s asked to do. It seemed apt.
You have a solid team backing you up in this film too…
Yes, there’s Soori and Robo Shankar, and we have almost the same amount of screen space.
Fox Star has come on board too…
I’m very happy they are a part of the movie. They were a part of Mundasupatti too, and I was in touch with them. They liked the rough copy and came on board.
How did you zero in on director Ezhil?
See, there are films that appeal to the classes and those that do well at the box office and make a mark in B and C centres too. Ezhil sir’s last three films — Manam Kothi Paravai, Desingu Raja and Vellaikaara Durai — did that. My last few films got a great rating {invariably a 3/5} but I’m not sure how much of that reflected in the collections. Ezhil sir has his pulse on what works commercially. This film marries a subject that appeals to me and his style of filmmaking.
How easy was it to transform into a loud character?
Very difficult. I’m shy and open up to very few people. I was doubtful during the first three-four days of shooting if I would be able to pull this off. After that, I got into the groove. But, this film has made me a more confident actor. It has taught me that I can work outside of my comfort zone. It’s almost like someone has broken the shell I’d created around myself.
You’re fond of directors Suseenthiran and Seenu Ramasamy…
Suseenthiran was my first director. After that, we’ve done Jeeva and I’m doing his film with Udhayanidhi Stalin. He was looking for a second hero and I offered to be a part of it. As for Seenu sir, he tapped my potential in Neer Paravai , and I’m part of his Idam Porul Eval too.
You are particular about the projects you take up...right?
Very. I’m doing Shankar Dayal’s Veera Dheera Sooran , with Catherine Tresa. Wikipedia has listed other films, but I’m not part of them. I prefer exiting from projects that don’t meet certain conditions, which primarily have to do with the script. When I’m disturbed, I can’t act. I’m no use as a non-actor, right?
What is your biggest strength?
That I’m true to myself and don’t pretend. Also, that I see every film of myself as an audience first.
I keep asking myself: ‘Will I like to watch myself doing this?’
