CHENNAI: Nobody has counted but he is probably the most slapped man on the Planet. Definitely, the most slapped man in Tamil films. His Style Pandi in the Sundar C starrer 'Nagaram' is classic. For all that, Vaigai Puyal Vadivelu, says his whacky slapstick should not just be another track in a film but an integral part of the main plot.
"Big commercial films are what I aim for because they are the ones, with the right mix, which run for a longer periods in theatres. Nagaichuvai (comedy) is a very sensitive part of a film and the actor has to handle this sensitive area with care. One mistake and all’s in vain. What’s the use of comedy that cannot make audiences laugh out aloud and feel light at the end of the day?” says Vadivelu.
A slap here, a whack there, every now and then, is the hallmark of Tamil comedy, more so in Vadivelu tracks.
How does he feel being at the receiving end in every film he’s in? Is he proud of the fact that he easily takes the Most Slapped Person on the Planet Award?
“Most of the roles I have played ever since the beginning of my career in films are all inspired by characters I come across in my daily life. Moreover, it is all about body language, even if audiences do not follow the language, which is very essential in comedy.
"When it comes to slap scenes, there are occasions when I actually get hurt, which cannot be avoided. But I take comedy seriously and with due professionalism, so I train myself thoroughly so that there are no retakes.”
Speaking about exclusive comedy channels like Aditya and Sirippoli or even morning and night comedy slots on regional channels, Vadivelu says they have enabled comedians like him to get closer to audiences.
“There are so many people, working women, professionals who after a stressful day’s work seek respite watching my comedy. So, even if they like watching me getting slapped half a dozen times in a film, and if it makes them laugh, then my purpose as a comedian is served,” he says. “My formula of a simpleton who is made a fool of and eventually thrashed has always worked. One might get tired of watching a film but it makes one laugh with the same intensity even after years,” says the most-slapped man on the planet, even if just for slapstick!
