Interview with Vishnu Vishal: “I want to prove that I can shine even in non-concept films”
“To enable bigger reach and audience penetration for my content-based films like Indru Netru Naalai and Jeeva, I have to do such commercial films”, starts off Vishnu Vishal in a matter-of-fact manner in this interview chat at his office to promote his Friday release Velainu Vandhutta Vellaikaaran (VVV).
“I picked up the script as 3 factors really pleased me – Soori’s role, Robo Shankar’s role and my part along with the heroine’s. The 3 stories will converge in the pre-climax and there won’t be any lag in the film. I liked it instantly and have attempted a proper comedy in a new manner. I was also driven to produce this film as I didn’t want to miss this story, come what may. I didn’t have the courage to do such a film till now.
My character is actually opposite to the title. He is very notorious and laggard when it comes to work. He plays the right hand to an MLA and has a knack of getting others into trouble. I am just a character in the film and not the sole driving force. I make sure to split my screen presence as I do not have the confidence or the pull yet, to carry a film on my own. In all my films, other characters have shined too, particularly comedians. Robo Shankar will soar in this film.”
Robo’s ‘Amma Inge Vaa Vaa’ rhyme has already caught our attention …
“In the 2nd half, there is a single scene for about 18 mins, with all the artistes at the same spot. This scene will result in instant laughter but was really challenging to shoot. I am sure that Robo Shankar will appeal to kids in a big way.” 
“An important film in my career”
“I want to give myself new challenges and fear drives me ahead. When I was an active cricketer, each ball was a different challenge and probably that mindset has stuck on. I want to prove that I can shine even in non-concept films. A friend of mine felt that I can score only in niche content films. VVV is that breakout outing for me and I have taken all possible efforts to carry this role in a convincing manner. Probably for the first time, I have paid attention to my looks and have used makeup. I have to see how audiences accept me in this kind of films. It is an important film for me.”
Seeing you in a film like VVV is quite a surprise actually !!!
“I have been into subtle acting all along whereas Ezhil sir is known for his loud comedy style. I had complete trust in Ezhil sir, he doesn’t get into details but will pull it off. He liked what he saw in Mundasupatti and just demanded a louder shade from me. It is actually my most difficult performance till date and I took few days to get the hang of it. It’s a thin line and I made sure to not overdo my part. We have screened a lot of shows to diverse kinds of people and people who have seen the film have really liked it. (Vishnu also added that he is very much open to the idea of focus group screenings).”
But Ezhil’s films are known to be panned by critics right?
“If people laugh, that’s good enough for this film. I am not expecting big star ratings for VVV. I have had my share of films in the 2.75 to 4 stars range. But I can say that story-wise, VVV will be better than Ezhil sir’s previous 3 films.”
Has dabbling in production been a stressful affair?
“I am feeling the heat as a producer now and the past 2 months have been spent on planning the promotions and cutting promo teasers and stuff. But the shooting was enjoyable as I handed over the responsibility of production to a set of capable people. I just focused on my performance. It was a very refreshing, enjoyable shooting spot and there was no stress on me.”
Brand Soori must be really beneficial for VVV right?
“Soori is a big plus and he is coming on the back of successes like Marudhu and Idhu Namma Aalu. I am sure that after VVV, he will be addressed as ‘Pushpa Purushan’ Soori. He works so hard now due to the increased responsibility and expectations from him. In B and C centers, he has such a face value. He already has a good streak running with Ezhil sir, who in fact starts writing Soori’s comedy track first.”
So according to you, which hero is most comfortable in the commercial comedy space?
“Sivakarthikeyan has mastered this space. And be it Rajini sir or Kamal sir or Vijay sir, most big heroes are good at 
comedy. I feel it is very important for a hero to get into the comedy genre to reach through in a big way. I am learning as I am doing more and more films whereas someone like Siva was fully equipped when he came in, thanks to his TV, stage experience.”
Back to the Suseenthiran camp …
“My next film with Suseenthiran is a double hero affair (with Udhay Stalin). My role is an extension of Vikranth’s in Pandiya Nadu. I play an angry young man for the first time and he is someone who is very aggressive and physical. The film would follow the Suseenthiran pattern but it is something new for me.”
“I am choosing stories instinctively now. I don’t want to pick films anymore, by over-analyzing like I did for few of my earlier films.”, concludes Vishnu. A whole lot of open admissions indeed. Good luck brother …
Interviewed by Kaushik LM
