With a record number of releases in ‘16 — and a stunning 2017 to follow — Vijay Sethupathi is poised to take his calling to another level, as the versatile actor goes from strength to strength.
Delving into his personal side like never before, Sethupathi opens up about his NY resolutions, why he turned atheist, if 2017 will be his biggest year yet, and much more.
New Year resolution
I want to hit the gym regularly and reduce my weight. The same was my resolution last year, but I broke it!
Describing himself
I am an actor and try to show myself as a good person in front of others. I guess I perform well (smirks). That is me!
Choosing out-of-the-box themes
It is not a conscious effort. The script should be interesting and connectable to me. Only then the audience will relate to it. Even if it is a fantasy story, there should be something I relate to. I don’t distinguish films as commercial or artsy. If the masses like my film and make it a success, it eventually becomes a commercial film and producers who invest huge money will thrive. That way, I think I am doing commercial flicks only. (laughs)
On filmmakers writing roles for him
I consider it as a big recognition when filmmakers say that they write scripts keeping me in mind. It is a common thing in cinema — producers and directors going behind a successful hero.
Even during the initial stages of writing a script, they know which hero would be apt to play the protagonist. Still, they can balance the script if they don’t get a particular hero. If Vijay Sethupathi is not available, they can alter the story mildly and go to someone else, can’t they?
Attributing the phenomenal success to himself
I attribute my succeess to the ordinary man inside me, who longed to reach this position undergoing hardships. When I joined films, I never dreamt of even reaching this level. The only investment I had — was myself.
My ambition was to earn big money and live without any debts. After I came inside, it was totally a different and fascinating world and I started enjoying it. Of course, I’m forever grateful to all my directors who gave me stunning roles.
Fulfilling the ‘man of the masses’ tag
I chose scripts which touched my heart and rendered them. People accepted them and started liking me. I work with utmost passion and responsibility. If I do my job right, it will automatically reach the masses.
I am still a learner and it never ends. Every co-star and technician surprises me with each film. Some of my directors like Karthik Subbaraj, Manikandan, Seenu Ramasamy, and Arun amazed me when I collaborated with them for the second time.
Saying ‘no’ to remakes
Some filmmakers approached me for remakes including Rajini sir’s Nettrikan. But I am not for remakes. One cannot recreate the magic and charm of any blockbuster film when it is remade. You should cherish those films and should not spoil them by remaking it.
On KV Anand and TR
Kavan was a surprise commitment. I didn’t expect that KV Anand sir would narrate a story to me. When I heard TR sir was to act as my co-star, it got all the more so interesting! I enjoyed his act on the sets. Though he improvises a lot, he would finally perform the way the director asks him to.
So far, I have only worked with filmmakers with whom I share a good rapport. With a big director like KV sir, I was a little apprehensive on how it’d pan out. But he was very sweet, and within couple of days, we gelled well.
Multi-hero subjects
I don’t mind being a part of multi-starrer subjects like Vikram Vedha, where in Madhavan and I play the male leads. I always respect my co-stars. Vikram (Madhavan) is a police officer and Vedha (Sethupathi) is a gangster.
If the script demands two or three heroes, then it needs to be really strong. The ;fan moments; of audiences for their heroes last only for the first ten minutes. After that, they start looking out for good scenes, which actually entertains them.
Eyeing Tollywood
I definitely want to enter the Telugu industry and do powerful villain roles. I have been sending feelers (laughs) whenever I get an opportunity.
Though I am not fluent in Telugu, I can understand the language and I am confident that I will pick it up soon, and dub in my own voice only.
Not a fan of any particular artiste
I haven’t been a fan of any actor or actress right from my youth. I like many actors in many films. I don’t have the habit of watching foreign films, but I do watch several of our old and classic movies. We have plenty of things to learn from our own films, don’t we?
Respecting his fan club
I don’t encourage fan clubs, but I respect them. I do have one, and I believe that their affection and adulation are genuine and without any expectations. I meet them regularly and interact with them.
One of my fans, a 20-year-old broke his limbs while erecting my banner in Kumbakonam. I was very upset. Imagine the plight of his parents!
Wanting to do a film for children
I would love to do a film for kids! A lot of children liked me in Naanum Rowdy Thaan and Rekka. But I don’t believe in adding forced elements to the script — in order to pull kids to watch each and every film I do. Hopefully, it works out soon!
Rapid Fire
Wishes for 2017: The last few months were turbulent times for the people of TN. I wish that everything becomes alright and people live in peace.
Plans to direct: Yes, you will see me wielding the megaphone in a few years.
Would you act as a womaniser? Why not? I would definitely love to do that role!
Politics: I have no knowledge about politics and I don’t even deserve to give my opinion on something that I am not well-informed about. But, honestly, one should know about politics, which includes me as well. I even said recently — that apart from being fans of actors, all youngsters who are above 18 should become a member of a political party. This is my request.
Do you believe in God? I don’t. My friend Giri died in an accident and till today, I can’t digest it! But, I don’t force my views onto others. My wife and children go to temple and church — and it is their belief. I have no right to tell them anything.
