Vishal says a negative character was always on his bucket list. So, when director B Unnikrishnan approached him with the role of Shaktivel Palaniswamy in Villain, he instantly grabbed it. "I never thought I would be doing a Malayalam film, though I really wanted to. So, when the opportunity came, that too opposite Mohanlal, I didn't want to miss out," says the actor sharing his excitement.
So, this being his first time doing a negative character, and that too in an industry known for its subtle acting style, did he go for a change in approach? "Yes, I had to act a little cynical because the character was very intense. Otherwise, I just followed whatever Unni sir said," says the actor.
He will play a doctor. "We are trying to voice the public's mindset through the character. That's all I can divulge now. There is a surprise in store," Vishal adds.
His Shaktivel Palaniswamy may take on Mohanlal's character Mathew Manjooran in Villain, but Vishal is very much in awe of Mohanlal. "It is one of the best-paid experiences of my life and probably the best career decision too," the actor says, adding that Mohanlal treats him like a family member.
"Face to face with him, the intense dialogues and the off-screen experience, it was all surreal for me. He is an actor who emotes through his eyes, and very accommodating too. I have seen very few superstars who give so much scope for co-artists to perform and outscore. Hats off to him, for his maturity and dedication to the profession," Vishal says.
As he makes his debut in M-Town, the actor says it reminds him of his Tamil debut Chellame. "Both are the same in many aspects. Chellame had the cream of the cream, in terms of cast and technicians and the same has happened in Malayalam, too. The best of the best are working in Villain. So, it is my dream debut here," he says. He is quite impressed with his Mollywood experience. "There isn't much difference between both industries. With Pulimurugan and all, even the budget is almost the same. But when it comes to content, the Malayalam film industry rocks," he adds.
For someone who dominates the news with his stance on issues plaguing the film industry, Vishal thinks his stint in showbiz is good so far. "I wouldn't say that I have achieved everything, but 40 percent of my dreams," he says.The president of Nadigar Sangam, an association of Tamil cine artists, Vishal says the Tamil industry needs a sea-change. "We must make sure we continue to flourish. I will do my bit till the mission is accomplished. Be it piracy or any other issue that concerns the Tamil industry, we will bring about a solution, " says Vishal.