The countdown begins for actor Vivek, as his debut Endendu Ninagagi, a remake of Tamil film Engaeyum Eppothum, sees its release next Friday. “The film will decide my fate in tinsel town,” says Vivek, who is a part of the multi-starrer with Deepa Sannidhi, Anish Tejeshwar and Sindhu Loknath.
Despite coming from a film background, Vivek is nervous about making it as an actor. “Having Ravi mama’s tag is a pressure in itself and brings about more responsibility. Wherever I go, people recognise me today and it is only because of him. The audience expects more from me,” he says.
The actor, who is still in the learning process, feels acting is not easy. “It was difficult at first. I have visited shooting spots before, but I never understood the process of making a film. Luckily, the first shooting schedule was for Anish and Sindhu. I used to go there to watch the scenes and practise dialogues before hand,” he says.
Being the only newbie in the cast did not make much of a difference, Vivek admits.
“I don’t have scenes with Anish and Sindhu. Deepa helped me with everything right from the photo shoot. To top it all, director Mahesh Rao taught me how to do everything that is required of an actor. He didn’t let me watch the original movie and guided me through each and every shot,” he says.
Tips given by his uncle came in handy while shooting, Vivek says. “So far, mama has watched the song Kayale and he liked the way I performed. He will be watching the entire movie this week and I am eagerly waiting for his response,” says Vivek, who is yet to receive feedback from his father and producer A Narasimhan.
“He only commented on Deepa and Anish. He probably wants the audience to talk about my acting.”
Did Vivek get a chance to imitate Ravichandran’s style somewhere in the film? “Nobody told me that I look like mama till the photo shoot was done. Even he was surprised after seeing my photos and the song. He felt that even the texture of my hair was like his. I did get a chance to imitate him in the song Kayale. There is a line Preethi yaaru kanduididaru and Murali master insisted that I do it like mama.”
“I am a big fan of Ravi mama. I remember watching his film Annaiah and weeping in the theatre. So comparing me to him gives me a high,” he says.
Working in a multi-starrer in his debut was not a bad idea, Vivek feels. “I can’t carry the whole film on my shoulders yet. Everyone in the movie has given their best performance. The film is about the four of us,” says Vivek, adding, “On the whole, I had a wonderful experience working for Endendu....I am slowly getting out of my comfort zone. This is my first movie and I want to apologise to the audience for mistakes I might have made. I will make sure that I don’t repeat it next time,” he signs off.