After thrilling the audience with his menacing performance as baddie Sandanam in blockbuster ‘Vikram’, actor Vijay Sethupathy will be returning to the silver screens through ‘Mamanithan’. The Southern super star who is in Kochi for the promotion of his latest movie opens up about his love for cinema and his upcoming projects.
What do you have to say about ‘Mamanithan’?
This is my second collaboration with director Seenu Ramaswamy after ‘Dharma Durai’. Kerala has been portrayed with significance in this film. My character comes to live in Kerala due to certain circumstances. The movie narrates how this place showers him with love and consideration. It is a movie that highlights familial relations and warmth. We had mostly shot at Alappuzha. KPAC Lalitha had acted in this movie. Besides, a handful of talented Malayali actors like Jewel Mary, Manikandan Achary and Anagha too play pivotal roles.
You have played main protagonist before essaying villain in Vikram. Now you are coming as the main lead. Aren’t you worried about your image?
I wish to do any role that amazes me. All I am bothered is whether the audience likes it. The villain in Lokesh Kanakaraj’s film is pretty strong.
What did Kamal Haasan gift you after ‘Vikram’?
Lots of people keep asking me this question. I got the gift while I was doing that film. An opportunity to act alongside Kamal Haasan itself is the greatest gift. He would share tales from the past and his experiences, like an older brother. Can there be anything valuable than that?
Do you plan to become a pan-Indian star?
I have no such plans. If a movie is good, then my desire is for the entire world to watch it. I have never felt that there should be a ‘pan India’ label. I wish to act in all the languages. It is not mandatory that those movies get released everywhere in India. Some movies get accepted in all languages. Movies like ‘KGF’, ‘Pushpa’, ‘RRR’, ‘Vikram’ and ‘Baahubali’ would work in all the languages. I don’t think every movie would be suitable for that. I do not wish that all my movies get released everywhere in India.
How do you choose films?
The story is the main factor. It should excite you. Moreover, it should make the audience happy. Do not try to fool them. I often analyse whenever a film becomes a hit or a flop. Sometimes, the movie may be good, but the way it was released may not be great. Or, there may be umpteen other reasons like insufficient promotion. In such situations, people may not even know that the film has been released. So, you have to consider every aspect.
When are you acting in a Malayalam cinema in which you speak the language?
Dates are an issue. Besides, my Malayalam is not that great. I don’t like speaking a language incorrectly. I prefer speaking it properly by understanding the meaning.
