It’s quite natural for any filmmaker to be nervous about the release, especially when it has one of the biggest stars at the helm. Director Siva, however, is relaxed and confident about Viswasam , in which he’s working with Ajith Kumar for the fourth time. Siva describes Viswasam as the most “satisfying” experience for him. A day before its release, the director sat down to discuss the film, his long association with Ajith and more. Excerpts:
The title was a little surprising when it was announced. Whose Viswasam is it anyway?
(Laughs) Being loyal is a basic quality that one should possess. It could be my Viswasam for Ajith sir and vice-versa. It could also be the Viswasam that fans have in our combination. If anything, the film is about commitment.
At what point during Vivegam did you narrate this script to Ajith Kumar?
It was sometime after Vivegam when I approached him with this storyline. Even before that, we’ve had several brainstorming sessions. Though we’ve worked in three films, he really enjoyed the narration of Viswasam . He said, ‘Siva, I can see myself in this character.’ That completely translated on screen, I think. More than the star Ajith, it’s the actor who will shine.
What kind of ideas did you exchange with him?
That depends on the subject that we discuss. Normally, the brainstorming sessions happen right after we lock the final script.
Since 2014, you’ve been associated with Ajith. Did it give you a better understanding of what fans expect from the star?
When someone of his stature trusts you consecutively for the fourth time, you thrive to give your best. I intend to make crowd-pleasing entertainers that have strong human emotions, because I grew up enjoying these films. Since I’ve travelled with him for so long, I’ve a fair knowledge of what his strengths are.
You’re one of the rare commercial filmmakers who collaborate with writers more often. What sort of briefing do you give them?
I’ve been writing scripts ever since I started out as a cinematographer. But I’ve always felt the urge to work with another writer. That’s why I work closely with Aadhi Narayanan. For Viswasam , I asked four writers to write the dialogues. Each of them gave their own versions, but the final call was mine. That’s the beauty of collaborative writing.
Could you explain your writing process?
I’ve been a voracious reader since childhood. The books that I read are subconsciously reflected in my films. There were times when I used to write scenes as early as 5 in the morning. That’s how I wrote the dialogue: Muchu kooda vanga mudiyathu .
Now that you’ve mentioned, there’s a sly way in which Ajith says that. Whose idea was it?
That’s the magical relation between a director and actor. I enact most of the scenes for my actors. However, there were instances when Ajith sir surprised me. I might have thought of a scene differently and he would come up with something brilliant.
It’s refreshing to see Ajith lighten up after a long time...
The trailer is just a fraction. Ajith sir was lively and energetic throughout the shoot. I have never seen him enjoying the milieu so much. We had a ball; it was as if we were in a thiruvizha .
Be it the rain sequence in Veeram or the one in Viswasam, what parameters do you consider while writing a mass scene?
The word ‘mass’ has a negative connotation. However, mass is something that transcends boundaries, irrespective of age, class and gender. But one has to have a liking for such films. It’s the mass scene that elevates your theatrical experience and quickly connects with you. If it works, it works.
Viswasam has gotten far more reach than your previous films. It goes on to suggest that rural films are your forte.
So far, all my films are of different genres. Perhaps, you could say that my USP is mass entertainer. And I believe I’m equipped to deliver that.
What’s the negative side of working with a star?
I intend to make good commercial films. Yes, I’m aware of the external pressure. But I don’t think about it much. At the same time, the film I make shouldn’t be detrimental to the star’s image.
It was Jilla vs Veeram in 2014. And now, it’s Petta vs Viswasam this Pongal.
It is a healthy competition. We started shooting for Viswasam on May 7 last year. During the course of filming, our producer asked us to release it on January 10. He didn’t even say Pongal. So, we stuck to our plan.
There was a lot of criticism for some of the scenes in Vivegam. Looking back, how do you evaluate yourself?
I started work on my next (laughs) . That’s how I evaluate myself. During script-level discussions, every person’s inputs matters to me.
Likewise, I have to be open to criticism. At the same time, I don’t take anything to my head. So, the tweets or comments don’t bother me much.
