Actor Vijay always wears his trademark smile while answering any question. He takes a few seconds to think about what he has to say before replying. But there is no denying that when he does finally manage to utter a few words, though they are simple, they’re precise and powerful. Here are excerpts from an interview with the actor:
Your father SA Chandrasekar said that you had wanted all big names to be a part of 'Thuppakki' at the film’s audio launch function...
Appa was exaggerating a little (smiles). I only told him to do a good project since he wanted to produce my film after a long gap. I’m not the kind to make demands from producers. I adapt to their style. I always believe that their concerns are important because producers are the ones who ultimately fund the film. I never thought that director Shankar would direct 'Nanban', but it was Gemini Production House’s decision to bring him in. So appa only asked me if A R Murugadoss would be a fine choice and who will say no?
There is talk that scripts which you reject go on to become hits with other actors in the lead role...
Not many. The first film that comes to my mind is 'Dhool'. Director Dharani narrated a different version of the story and I thought it might not work. But after I watched the movie, I asked him why he didn’t narrate the story in the way it was shot. He told me that he reworked on the script before shooting it. So that’s one film. I don’t remember if I missed any other good projects.
Now, there has been a change in the way you select the scripts...
Actually, I don’t plan too much. I don’t believe that I should do only a certain kind of film. I used to focus on the scripts earlier and that worked, as well. But my decisions have gone wrong at times. Of late, I concentrate on how a film is being presented, too. That’s one thing I learnt to do with time.
Your look in 'Thuppakki' has been appreciated...
I don’t look too different in the film except for my hairstyle. And even that, I just had to cut my hair short to look like an army man. My physique is not too different from how I look in real life. But I don’t purposely avoid changing my appearance for films. Also, to be frank, I don’t get such scripts at all. Maybe when I’m offered a role that definitely requires me to change my appearance, I think I will.
How was it working with A R Murugadoss?
We wanted to work together since his first film and even met a few time to discuss scripts. Finally, it happened with 'Thuppakki'. Murugadoss impressed me with his way of presentation. How he opens and closes a scene will be far ahead from how you would have imagined it.
Will you consider acting in a Hindi film, now that Murugadoss has spoken about it?
First of all, I’m not very fluent in Hindi. I can understand the language, but I can’t communicate in it. I play the role of a Tamilian who has settled in Mumbai, in 'Thuppakki'. So, in some scenes, I had to speak Hindi and for that, I had to prepare a lot. My cameo in 'Rowdy Rathore' happened because of Prabhu Deva. The shooting for both 'Thuppakki' and 'Rowdy Rathore' happened in the same area in Mumbai and he asked me to come to his film’s shooting spot. I just did it for fun. So it’s just Murugadoss’ generosity for having said that. But why not? I will act in a direct Hindi film if Murugadoss directs it.
How was it working with cinematographer Santhosh Sivan?
I never expected a person like Santhosh Sivan to be a part of this project. He doesn’t usually work on commercial flicks, but he somehow accepted 'Thuppakki' and has taken it to a whole new level.
The Vijay-Vijay combo
There are already many rumours about the film with (director) Vijay, but I can’t talk about it now. What is confirmed as of now is that we will begin shooting from November end.
