Known for his work in films like Siva Manasula Sakthi (2009), Ko (2011), Nanban (2012) and Neethaane En Ponvasantham (2012), Jiiva may still be awaiting his big Kollywood break. But that doesn’t affect his rising stardom down South. Conventionally, one would have expected him to choose mass masala projects to further his stardom. But he’s quite confident about what he does. He neither repeats roles nor directors in general. The actor has delivered hits and has experienced flops as well.
“I decided to reduce the number of films I do every year as I wanted to focus on quality. Good for me! After gauging the audience’s response, I am pretty clear about what people expect from me. When the audience like a film, they celebrate it and when they dislike it, they troll you on social media,” says Jiiva.
“With such feedback, I am careful about choosing scripts. I am learning with every film too. I’ve had my share of failure, but that doesn’t deter me from experimenting with different films and directors. I tend to not repeat my mistakes and it’s interesting that failure teaches me more than success. The learning experience is a good reality check that has helped me grow,” he adds.
The actor adds that even releasing a film is a big success these days. “Times have changed. I can’t keep doing films like Katcheri Aarambam (2010). Though the ‘local boy’ image works with everybody, I need to experiment more. It’s better to risk and confront failure than repeat what I’ve done. At least that would give me the satisfaction of having done something productive. Anyone can comment on films, but it takes a lot to make one. With so much nonsense, like piracy, it’s really a big deal to release a film on the planned date. We have the Censor Board and filmmakers, but very few fresh scripts. I look for scripts that are written for me,” he says.
In Thirunaal, Jiiva has paired up with Nayanthara after SP Jananathan’s E (2006). “I usually choose scripts that entertain family audiences — especially women. This one serves the same purpose. We’ve kept it simple — emotional subject, but lighthearted treatment to the script. I play a thug called Blade from Kumbakonam in the film. Though he’s a rowdy, he has a human side as well. This is for those who love mass movies. After Thenavattu (2008), I haven’t done a full-on village script with proper commercial elements and am sure everyone will love Thirunaal. Nayan plays a primary school teacher, and we have a great rapport on the sets. She easily fits into any character she portrays,” he says.
Ask why he chose a village-based script now, and he says, “When I do a film, I think about those B and C centres as well. There were people who wondered why I wasn’t doing any local characters. So, doing a rural-based one was a well-thought out decision. We completed the film in 65 days. The songs will be its highlight. Srikanth Deva did a wonderful job with the music.”
So, what’s next? “I want to work more with young talent. Fresh ideas and creativity matter to me more than big names,” he smiles. Does he plan to get into filmmaking and production as well? “Appa (RB Choudary) and anna (Ramesh) are into it, but as of now, I have no such plans. I’m young and can wait,” he says.
The actor also has films like Kavalai Vendam, Sangili Bungili Kadhava Thorae, Gemini Ganesan and Kee in his kitty!