Vikram Prabhu interview .. “A film with dad will happen very soon and I am already nervous”
Director GNK Kumaravelan (after the memorable Haridas) teams up with Vikram Prabhu for Wagah, which is set to release on August 12. The film has been censored with a U certificate and features Vikram as a Border Security Force (BSF) officer who falls in love with a Muslim girl, played by first timer Ranya Rao. Imman has provided the music for the film.
“I finished the script and decided on Vikram Prabhu as the lead. The part of an army man fitted him really well as he is generally fit, and elements like love and action suit him well always“, says Kumaravelan. Both of them are emotionally attached to the film and feel that Aug 12 is a very apt release date for the film, given the Independence Day weekend.
Over to Vikram Prabhu now, for an interview chat with Kaushik LM for Only Kollywood.
Were you required to specifically work on your physique for the army man’s role in Wagah?
“Specifically, No and I just did what was required for the film. Interestingly, I had a 6-pack before beginning Kumki, itself. But that wasn’t required for Kumki and I had to put on a lot of weight for the film, before the shoots began. I lost my packs, which I had developed with a lot of hard work and weight loss (laughs).”
Both Kumki and Wagah have been shot in mountainous terrain. Can you compare the process of shooting for these two films?
“Kumki was really tough (clearly evident in his face when he was recollecting the experience). I spent so much time with the elephant (53 out of the total 70 shooting days). Prabhu Solomon always wanted me to be with the elephant. I was either sitting on it, standing or sitting beside it; it was very strenuous. Though I ate a lot during the making of Kumki, I used to lose a kilo or two everyday.
Though Wagah was not as demanding, shooting at high altitudes resulted in breathing difficulties due to the shortage of oxygen. That was quite an effort indeed as it was foreign terrain for all of us. Holidaying in such a place and working there, are completely different. We had to be mentally prepared for it. Small scorpions used to be all over the ground and they are very poisonous. I had to fight and brawl on the ground for some scenes and these scorpions made it scary.”
Given the fact that Kumki was such a difficult experience, will you be game to take up Kumki 2?
“From the Kumki team, Prabhu Solomon has approached only me till now. I will honor that courtesy and will respect him always. He is my first director and I will go for him. There will be lots of hard work again, and I get sleepless nights just thinking about it (laughs). But I won’t get such opportunities often. Kumki 2 may be shot abroad due to the strict animal protection rules and regulations here.”
On the long gap after the disappointing Idhu Enna Maayam …
“The 2nd day after the release of Idhu Enna Maayam, Wagah’s shoot began in Kashmir and I have been continuously filming. Veera Sivaji and Mudi Sooda Mannan are also ready and all these three films would be different.
Coming to Idhu Enna Maayam, it was badly promoted and even my family members had no clarity on the release of the film. I am clear that such things shouldn’t happen again. I believed what I heard initially but what I heard wasn’t translated on screen and the film, in fact, deteriorated in the process. It couldn’t be saved beyond a point. 
Thankfully with Wagah, the film has been bettered during the making and we are happy with the final output. One failure can’t pull me back. I always see the positive aspects and don’t want to dwell on the negatives. I gave my director (Vijay) what he wanted, which was a very subtle brand of acting. I was doing Vellaikaara Durai with Ezhil and Idhu Enna Maayam at the same time. One film demanded an over the top performance and the other was subtle in the other extreme. It was a big learning for me at that time, and was a good experience.”
Vikram explains more about his career picks …
“I want to go outside my comfort zones. I can never be better than my grand dad or dad; they have done so much in their careers. But I don’t want to limit myself to specific genres or types of films. I don’t want to repeat what I am doing.”
What sort of films will your production house ‘First Artist’ be involved in?
“NeruppuDa will be the first. It is such an apt title for the film, as I play a fireman. Thanu sir gave the go-ahead for the title as he also felt that it was very apt for the film. The title just happened (smiles) and we are very happy about it. NeruppuDa will be a racy entertainer for all.
Eventually with ‘First Artist’, I want to do stuff which is offbeat, but at the same time interesting. It has to be a calculated risk. I also don’t mind collaborating with other producers, if they are interested in the script. People have to have that freedom to choose.”
Finally, when will we get to see you acting with dad Prabhu?
“It will happen very soon (smiles). Aside from the big expectations, I am really nervous about acting with him.”
Best wishes for Wagah, Vikram …
Interviewed by Kaushik LM
