Director A.L. Vijay, known for his realistic and concept-based films, has directed several big stars and has also made budget films in the past. His upcoming film is a bilingual titled Kanam, starring Sai Pallavi and Naga Shaurya. “The story revolves around three characters, mainly the mother, father and the child,” says Vijay, adding, “It’s an emotional and content-based film with some stunning performances.”
The director reveals that he prefers to do bilinguals only if the subject suits Telugu audience. “When I wrote this script, I knew that it would definitely attract Telugu people too. Good cinema is being encouraged, so I decided to make a bilingual,” he explains, adding that he had approached Sai Pallavi even before her film Fidaa.
“We started shooting last June and completed the film, but couldn’t release it because of the Tamil film industry strike,” says the director. Talking about Sai Pallavi, Vijay says, “She is a natural actor and a good performer. The scenes between her and her daughter are the highlights of the film.”
About the film’s message, the director says, “The film’s subject is based on abortions. In India alone, every year, crores of abortions occur and half of them are unsafe. I wrote the story after reading a news article in 2013.” He adds, “Although the story is about abortions, it’s a commercial film and a thriller.”
Vijay, who is known for his concept-based films, explains, “I like realism and you can see it in all my films. Only when the story reflects somebody’s life or a real incident does the audience relate to it. I love to portray human emotions in the right manner.” The director adds, “You will never see the protagonist bashing dozens of goons in my films. Not that it’s wrong, but I don’t put those kinds of commercial scenes in my films.”
Vijay reveals that he first approached Vijay Deverakonda for this film, but that he was already busy with other projects. He then approached Naga Shaurya and narrated the story. “Shaurya is a fantastic actor and has done a natural job,” praises the director, who conducts workshops before all his films.
“I do workshops for all my films and before the shoot starts, I explain the story along with dialogues to my actors. Although they have the freedom to act, I want them to actually react. I explain each and every scene to them as we don’t shoot in a consecutive fashion,” he explains.
Vijay admits that he would like to direct a Telugu film soon. “Many producers have approached me to do a Telugu film, but once my commitments are over in Tamil, then I will definitely do a Telugu film,” he assures.
As for his friends in Tollywood, the director shares, “Anushka Shetty is my closest friend and I can call her for help at any time. Director Krish, Rana and Naga Chaitanya are also close to me. Amala Akkineni is also my well-wisher.”
