Filmmaker Siva collaborated with Ajith Kumar consecutively for the fourth time for Viswasam and the film is set to hit the marquee this Pongal. The action drama, produced by Sathyajothi Thiagarajan, stars Nayanthara, Jagapathi Babu, Vivekh, Thambi Ramaiah and Yogi Babu. In an interview to DC, the director speaks about how Viswasam is altogether a new genre for Ajith and how the actor nailed the character of Thookkudurai, the mass factors, the importance of Nayan’s role, the controversy over the trailer that created a huge online war among the rival fans of Rajinikanth and Ajith.
This is a new pulsating genre for Ajith?
Viswasam is a film where we have portrayed Ajith sir in a fresh avatar and completely at a different level. Very energetic and vibrating person! We all know he is a mass hero and hence there are mass elements that suit his image as well which goes well with the script. Even in song and dance routines, you will see an altogether a new Ajith. To put it in Tamil, - ‘avar erangi adichaaru’.
Is Ajith doing a two-dimensional role?
Ajith sir is not essaying a dual role but his role of Thookkudurai will have a younger version and a middle-aged one. The story starts off in Koduvilarpatti in Theni district, later travels to Mumbai and Chennai.
Did Ajith train in Madurai dialect?
Yes, for the first time, Ajith has spoken the Madurai dialect. He learned it from a person called Chandran whom we hired. Also, there are so many people working on the cast and crew from Madurai. Sir always keenly observed them speaking and took in their body language.
Ajith’s reaction after watching the film?
“Among the four films, Viswasam is the best”, were his words. Those were gratifying moments. As a technician, even for me, the film has given immense satisfaction. While narrating the script itself, he loved and enjoyed each and every comic moment and was thoroughly happy.
How about Nayan’s role?
I have worked with her in a Telugu movie. She is a bundle of talent. Viswasam has a fantastic script for a heroine. Nayanthara’s role has a lot of emotional importance. She has given a nuanced performance.
Controversy: Can you clarify on the war of the trailers?
(In the Petta trailer, Rajinikanth who seemingly plays a gangster warns his enemies to run away if they love their families and he is seething with anger. On the other hand, in the trailer of Viswasam which released later, Ajith calls himself a family man, who is still ready for a one-to-one fight.)
We shot the dialogue long back and even cut the trailer before. Earlier, the movie was to get released on December 25 and this trailer was cut before that. In any case, I am not on social media, but I came to know about it only through my friends.
Are Imman’s songs a big plus?
I am working for the first time with Imman. He is the biggest blessing for the team. It was a great experience and with each and every song and BGM, he has enhanced the scenes and flow of the movie.
What is the secret behind collaborating with Ajith at a stretch?
It is nothing but ‘mutual respect’ that we share. The film is a complete family entertainer with good content and I can assure you there will be plenty of takeaways from the film Viswasam.
