Vijay Antony who has a potential market in Telugu as well after his blockbuster Bicchagadu, has done something other heroes of his stature would hesitate to do. After back-to-back successes, he chose a woman director in Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi, who is just one film old, for his next titled Kaali.
“Gender does not matter, it is the solid script that makes all the difference. And it was precisely Kiruthiga’s writing and narration which made me say ‘yes’, besides taking a call to produce it at a big budget,” says up Antony in an exclusive to DC when we caught him up on the sets of Thimiru Pudichavan.
“In fact, contrary to general notion, it was very comfortable to work with Kiruthiga. She is a bundle of talents. Her takes were very stylish. I was impressed with her work and hence produced it. Budget wise, this is the biggest project in my acting career and with the film is complete and all set to hit the screens on May 18, I am happy that I made the right decision to produce it (smiles)”, he says.
The Pichaikkaran star says that he believes in strong stories rather than grandeur. “People may think I go in for scripts with negative shades, that is not correct. There’s a new dimension in Kaali. I sport four different looks and there’s yet another color to my character. It’s a fresh attempt and hope people would accept it. Because the director had great clarity, the film has shaped up well.”
There is not just one heroine, but four girls who romance Antony in Kaali. “That was not enough (laughs), just kidding. Jokes apart, every girl be it Anjali, Sunaina, Amritha and Shipla, has a bearing in the script. All the four love me and how and why will be revealed when you watch the movie.” He has also taken the onus of music direction. “There are five songs and they will be well within the story.
We hear there’s an ‘Amma’ (mother) song in Kaali. Is the Amma sentiment number working for you right from Pichaikkaran? “Not really! The story commanded an Amma number.”
Shifting the topic about the current unrest scenario in the society he pauses a minute and says, “Yes, problems and issues have been existing in the society for long. They are disturbing and sometimes outrageous. But I feel these are blown out of proportion through the medium called social media. And even doing a small help to a needy is being photographed and uploaded to get publicity. I do understand, we get quickly aware of societal issues through them and also acquire knowledge. But misusing them creates lot of problems. Freedom of speech has been misconstrued. My humble request is to use these online media in a positive way.”
His next is Thimiru Pudichavan where he portrays a police officer for the first time. Is he getting trained or inspired by any real life cop, we ask. “Not at all! I don’t like to take any pre-preparations for any of my roles. It’s the director’s vision and if he/she is clear about it that’s enough. I just follow them.” He signs off saying that multi-tasking has taken a lot of his time and soon he needs a break and should give space to his personal life and family.
