Making a conversation interesting is as difficult as starting one. But actor-dance choreographer-producer-filmmaker Prabhu Deva makes it easy. He is one of those people who likes to work round the clock. Maybe that’s why he has his own audience even today! Among the array of good-looking stars in the industry, he’s carved a niche for himself. At 42, he’s as fit as ever.
The Minsara Kanavu actor, who has been directing films in the North over the past few years, is all set to return to acting with a trilingual (Tamil-Telugu-Hindi) horror-comedy titled Devi(l), directed by Vijay of Madrasapattinam fame. His last Tamil outing as an actor was the Vijaykanth-starrer Engal Anna in 2004.
The first look poster of the multilingual was recently unveiled by global icon Jackie Chan. Prabhu Deva says, “I think the script and screenplay of Devi(l) are among the best I’ve listened to recently, and I share screen space with the gorgeous Tamannaah. Sonu Sood plays an important role in the film and we also have Farah Khan doing a cameo! I’m excited because it’s been long since I faced the camera for a Tamil or Telugu film — I’ve been busy directing. I’ve also undergone a complete makeover for my role. My new, casual look would be a refreshing change for the audience.”
Talking about why he took up the film, Prabhu says, “I didn’t want to get back to acting for the heck of it. I loved the script and wanted to be a part of it. Someone else was actually supposed to play my role! We had a blast shooting the film in three languages as three separate films.
Though it is a comedy film, the horror angle has been treated in a unique way. The story is beautiful and the characters are well-defined. The film will be co-produced by my new banner Prabhu Deva Studios.”
He says he enjoyed acting because it freed him from responsibility. “I play Krishna, who easily falls for modern women. The crux of the story is — there’s a modern girl in every homely wife, so don’t go behind the looks of a modern woman. Tamannaah, Sonu Sood and I will be seen in all three versions, but the supporting cast will be different as the film is culture-specific,” he says.
Talking about his experience on the sets, Prabhu says, “Thankfully, Vijay was the director. He’s amazing and open to suggestions. I just had to go on the sets, listen to him, and act. I was able to breathe after every shot. We shot in and around Andhra Pradesh, Mumbai, Pune and abroad and post-production work is now going on. Vijay has attempted something different with this script. This film also has a strong emotional core and will connect well with the audience.”
Though Prabhu Deva dons many hats, he says being a choreographer and dancer are closest to his heart. “I don’t know anything except acting and dancing — like how to pay bills or book tickets for travel. I only know how to entertain people and I put my heart and soul into it. I feel happy when I share my experience and lessons with others. I never ‘advise’ people. The rising talent is fabulous and the new generation is making it big,” he smiles.
Looking back, he says direction is the most challenging. “Cinema is special. I focus on creating a credible body of work. I’m not a planner when it comes to life. Say, when I give my 100% for directing, I give 200% for dance. I take things as they come. But, being in front of the camera is easy, while being a filmmaker and giving people ‘directions’, is tough,” he says with his trademark grin. Ask what’s next, and he says, “I will act in a Tamil-Telugu bilingual in November. Besides this, I am directing a Hindi movie.”
We hear that Tamannaah plays an actor in the film and there’s also news that there’s a twist on to how she becomes one. Hollywood writer-filmmaker Aaron Paul has co-written the film with director Vijay.