Jiiva has been getting accolades from all quarters for his portrayal of an egocentric ad filmmaker, Gautham, in his recently released film, Endrendrum Punnagai. The film has been declared a hit and will put Jiiva in the winning track after a few lacklustre films in the past.
Directed by Ahmed, the film is a fun-filled entertainer with Santhanam and Vinay playing his close buddies. Trisha played a pivotal role as his romantic interest. “I owe all credit to Ahmed who, as a former ad filmmaker, gave me a great deal of liberty, Harris Jayaraj for his beautiful numbers and my producer who had a vision,” Jiiva told DC.
“When Ahmed was narrating the story, I was reminded of my friend Balaji who makes ad films. I started watching how he handles issues and his attitude. I took him as my inspiration and followed what Ahmed said. But, in real life, I am just the opposite,” Jiiva added, “I am an easy-going, adaptable person.” Did he drink heavily like Gautham does in this film? “No, I drink occasionally. I am a social drinker. I do hang around with some of my close friends when we all find time,” Jiiva said.
Responses to the film have been positive and Jiiva feels that he should come out of a particular mould and do experimental films like EP. “I realised that comedy is working with the youth of today. I want to try out different genres of films. Even if it fails, I wouldn’t regret it — because I know I have come out with something new,” he said.
“Machi oru quarter sollen,” is a popular line of dialogue of Jiiva’s from the film, Siva Manasula Shakthi, that earned him a huge fan following. The film had drinking scenes in a TASMAC bar that became such a hit that whenever Jiiva attended a function, his fans would insist that he mouth the same lines. “Thank God, Endrendrum Punnagai has given me a new dimension,” he said. “When we went for promotions before the film’s release, fans were insisting that they wanted to see the old Jiiva. But now, it’s the other way around, and I could see super punnagai (smile) on their faces,” he quipped.
On the failure of his much hyped last film, Mugamoodi, he said, “I think it is all part and parcel of one’s career. One should take it as a learning experience. Perhaps, the film was over projected. I take it in my stride. I am totally responsible for all my films. If success comes, it is due to everyone’s contribution.”
Jiiva’s next release will be Yaan, directed by ace cinematographer Ravi K. Chandran. The actor has signed an array of films, including one for his father under their Supergood Films banner, a movie with Samudrakani and a film with Sairamani. “My dad, R.B. Choudhary, has made 85 films in the last 25 years. I want to carry on his legacy and make Supergood Films the Yash Raj Films of the south,” Jiiva said in parting.
