Directing a star like Vikram is a huge responsibility for a director who is just one film old...
Yes it is, but I believed in the script. The film got delayed because it was hard for me to find a producer and then we finally found Shibu Thameens! My first film was Arima Nambi (2014), which is more of a thriller and Inkokkadu is a completely different film. It’s an action-based script with elements of science-fiction and so on. The expectations for the movie are quite high now and I hope I can fulfill them. Vikram is thrilled about doing something unusual, quirky and challenging. He does so much for the character, which motivates us when we work as a team. There are many intense action sequences, choreographed keeping the international standard of the story in mind and he did them all without any body double. I am sure Inkokkadu will work to Vikram’s advantage.
Tell us more about the film
When I narrated the script to Vikram, I realised that he liked it and I developed the script for him further. I have been following his films and I know his strengths. It’s an espionage thriller. Vikram plays a dual role – Akilan, the role of an Indian Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) agent and Love, an eccentric scientist. When you have a great actor like him, you can achieve so much. He’s one of those actors who can easily internalise any role that you give him. We shot in and around Malaysia, Thailand, Bangkok and a few portions in Kashmir. We could have shot in other hill stations, but we wanted to show the real Kashmir to the audience. RD Rajasekar has done a fabulous job on cinematography.
So, he’s not playing a transgender villain in Inkokkadu?
Absolutely not! When you watch the film, you’ll see connection clearly. I don’t know what made people assume from a two-minute trailer. (Laughs) But I’ve been very careful about not stereotyping the character. ‘Love’ is unpredictable, and the role will always remain unique.
Has working with AR Murugadoss as an assistant in Thuppakki (2012) and 7am Arivu (2011) influenced your filmmaking?
I don’t think so, but I have always wanted to make films. I looked up at Shankar sir even before I joined Murugadoss sir as an AD. I love them equally. And yes, I have learnt a lot from both of them.
A few words about your leading ladies Nayanthara and Nithya Menen...
It was wonderful to have them on sets. They are also a part of the action sequences and have equally interesting roles to play. Every technician who worked in this film was in sync with what was happening. Nithya is a director’s delight and worked hard to deliver what the character expected of her. What more can I say about Nayanthara! She’s a thorough professional and worked like an assistant director! Her screen presence is just mind-blowing, and she pays attention to even trivial things.
What’s next?
I haven’t started writing any new script; but I am keen to explore other genres as well.