Actor Vishnu Vishal: Aaryan’s 27th minute is the highpoint which is followed by a twist | EXCLUSIVE

Vishnu Vishal, an actor and producer, discusses his journey in the film industry as he reflects on the challenges faced after initial flops and his shift towards producing content-driven films.

Vishnu Vishal

Vishnu Vishal, whose films so far have managed to have both an interesting it factor and commercial sensibilities, is someone who is not just an actor. Beyond headlining films, Vishnu Vishal has managed to put together projects for his filmography by taking up the responsibilities of a producer and assembling the type of content he wants to put out.

Aaryan actor Vishnu Vishal Interview

Vishnu Vishal, who joins in a conversation with OTTplay during his fitness sessions of the day, says that he is still working on the switch that lets him be off about work once he calls it a day. “When I am with my family as well, I talk about work. They are okay about it, for they believe in me. Now that my brother is also an actor, I want to be for him, and for that, my work is the only source for success.”

It is at this time that fitness activities like gymming come in handy for him. “It gives me some sort of positivity. When I am not working out regularly, even a small problem would appear big to me. But fitness gives me the power to look at even bigger issues as smaller ones. More than physical wellbeing, it is for mental wellness. I work out. Secondly, I love eating food and working out helps me to stay in shape. But at the same time, I don’t strictly follow the timetable. People think a strict schedule will help solve everything, but balance is the key,” says Vishnu Vishal.

The actor says that film industry is not rosy as it seems to be. “Even I thought likewise, but there are lots of physical, mental and analytic thinking that goes behind in the decisions and work you do. The reason why we choose to do despite these, is because the returns are equally more,” he adds.

Also read: Aaryan OTT partner locked: Vishnu Vishal’s thriller to stream on this platform after big screen run

‘Since my flops, I was scared and insecure’

Vishnu Vishal’s journey has been a unique one. After striving hard for seven years, he made his debut with the hit Vennila Kabadi Kuzhu. But his next two films, Bale Pandiya and Drohi, became failures that the actor calls the biggest and only flops in his career to date. “I have had a unique journey, and got into introspection in the last few years. Since my flops, I was scared and insecure. Every step was a debate, and I faced some struggles. Sometimes, even films like Ratsasan were told before release that they would be a flop. After Ratsasan, 9 films were dropped. Everything was a challenge, and getting one content right was hard. Like a story in which the villagers were afraid of the camera (Mundasupatti), a film about a time machine (Netru Indru Naalai), or even about cricket (Jeeva). How am I going to survive in this industry after two flops? Simple, do content-based films that were new and I did.”

After a stage, Vishnu Vishal began to produce his film, with his debut Silukkuvarupatti Singam becoming a hit. “Industry was going towards content-based films, when titles like Vada Chennai, Pariyerum Perumal, Ratsasan, and 96 were becoming hits. I began to believe in my content, and when some films began to get dropped, I decided to take up production. Not that I enjoyed the process or pain from it, but I began to because there are people who are believing in my content, and that is me as producer. I decided to enjoy, and it satisfies me when the audience cheer to the content.”

But does he enjoy the process of putting together a project? “Definitely, I have started to do much more, but if you ask me if I am doing it out of a lot of happiness, no. It is out of no other option.”

Vishnu Vishal, who began to accept that this is his life, opines that he produces, given the type of content-oriented films he makes. “I believe and do it with conviction, so it lands well. A story like Gatta Kusthi was rejected by 6 producers, and then I took it up. Ravi Teja sir came on board as one of the producers. Of course, there are times when, as an actor, I am not available for my director. Sometimes I forget that my main job is being an actor, but I have accepted it. My life is on the go.”

Also read: Gatta Kusthi 2: Vishnu Vishal and Aishwarya Lekshmi reunite for sequel; Chella Ayyavu to direct

Not a Ratsasan

Ever since the announcement of Aaryan, Vishnu Vishal’s next film which is a crime thriller, the conversations invariably are ones comparing it to Ratsasan. The actor was aware of this, which is why he even wore ‘Not Ratsasan’ T-shirt while attending a press meet for Aaryan.

“We cannot aim to break a cult film. Nobody can. A cult happens, and I am very clear that Aaryan is not Ratsasan. Be it the experience, concept, and story that these films give, are very different. Ratsasan will keep you on the edge of your seat, while Aaryan will make you think. There the question was who is the killer, here, it is how and what will happen. See, this is a standalone film.”

But why did he choose to do a thriller after Ratsasan? He replies, “I am someone who does drastic content, so I decided that whatever thriller I do next, it should be very different from Ratsasan. The director did not want to narrate Aaryan to me because he thought I would reject. But the story was different and I dared to touch stories that others think I will not. We also tried to present the film differently from Ratsasan, in terms of my appearance, performance and body language. There is a high point at the 27th minute, which is the twist, and then, the climax is also something that has a takeaway. If both of these work, Aaryan will be successful. It will be a film that will make you think about how you should respect people.”

Also read: Irandu Vaanam first look out: Vishnu Vishal and Mamitha Baiju star in Ram Kumar’s film

Vishnu Vishal is some who prefers narrations over reading scripts. The reason being, “The only two films that I read the scripts for became flops. So, I always hear the narrations. Which is why I am afraid to work with big directors. However, new directors are able to narrate and talk about stories.”

‘Us actors are little cracks’

His films, too, have been atypical when it comes to heroism, and for that, Vishnu Vishal says, “Will anyone come and save us in our real lives? No. So it is only me who should look out for myself. I have no interest in projecting myself as a hero.” As someone who does not believe in rehearsals, the actor prefers to ask his directors as many questions as possible. “I am a director’s actor. I take a few takes and take their opinions. So, I do the homework inside my head.”

“Every character becomes part of you and life. That is a very challenging part of an actor. I knew the life of a fisherman when I played one in Neerparavai, so the way I look at them now is different. Similarly, the way I see the police is also different, and I have seen one at my home since childhood. It is emotional and deep, which is why us actors are little cracks,” Vishnu Vishal says on his wide range of acting roles.

But what does he want to do as an end goal? “It is to keep doing what I do now and continue. But that apart, I want to be remembered for giving good cinema, to be a good son, husband, and father. And someday, I want to start an NGO and be for people,” concludes Vishnu Vishal, who also says that starring in a superhero movie someday is on his wish list.

FAQs

Q. Who directed the movie Aaryan Vishnu Vishal?

A. Praveen K helmed Vishnu Vishal's Aaryan.

Q. What is the relationship between Aamir Khan and Vishnu Vishal?

A. Vishnu Vishal and Aamir Khan share a good friendship ever since they accidentally met during the 2023 Chennai floods.

Q. When is Aaryan releasing?

A. Aaryan hits theatres on October 31.

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