Director Arun Prabu: Vijay Antony's Shakthi Thirumagan will be a relatable political entertainer | EXCLUSIVE

It was back in 2021, when director Arun Prabu Purushottaman had his last release with Vaazhl. Now, come this weekend, the audience will get to see the Aruvi filmmaker’s third directorial Shakthi Thirumagan, starring Vijay Antony. Due to release on September 19, Arun Prabu joins us for a conversation, and in his ever calm and composed tone, says it feels good to be back.

“We have made the film, and have been getting good responses for the trailer. So, I am happy for that. Now, people should watch the film and let us know their feedback,” he remarks.

Arun Prabu Purushottaman on making Shakthi Thirumagan

Arun Prabu had been working on Shakthi Thirumagan for the last few years, and had waited for everything to fall into place and mount the project. “It takes time to mount the project, and that’s what took this time,” he says. The director, who has made films like Vaazhl and Aruvi, with sublime political narratives, adds that as a viewer, he likes political films made on a commercial metre. “Something like Parasakthi (1952), Raththa Kaneer, and Amaidhi Padai. These films are politically strong at the same time cater to a larger audience. Most of the political films usually are made larger-than-life, but I want to make a political film which is relatable and commercial. Shakthi Thirumagan will be one such film.”

Even when he was doing Aruvi, Arun Prabu says he was inspired by Parasakthi, a Tamil classic which starred Sivaji Ganesan. “It is about how a girl is cheated, and she goes on to argue her case for herself. After making this, I wanted to do a film which is like a full-meals, which has everything while having a narrative. Shakthi Thirumagan will also be on the same metre as Aruvi and Vaazhl.”

The filmmaker says that though he did not write the character for Vijay Antony, it was fitting when the latter stepped in. “When Vijay Antony sir came onboard, it was fitting because even sir has simpleton looks. It was easy for him to adapt to the character; thanks to the body language he usually carries. He was also submissive,” Arun Prabu adds. The director recalls that after watching Aruvi, Arun Prabu had narrated the story of Shakthi Thirumagan. “His first brief for me was to make a film that I envisioned. It was overwhelming but comfortable too.”

Arun Prabu on working with Vijay Antony

Besides acting, Vijay Antony has also produced and scored for the film. But Arun Prabu tells us that as far as Vijay Antony’s working style is considered, it is like working with three different personalities. “As a composer, he comes with full josh and there are no other talks. He is in the moment. Even if had acted in that scene before, he does not bring it to table. It is me as a director who needs to give him inputs,” the director adds.

If Arun Prabu has to condense Shakthi Thirumagan into a line, he says that it will be “a relatable political entertainer”. He adds, “It reflects the current life scenario, and at the same time, it also warrants a community viewing.”

While films can create a discourse, stir conversations and arguments, or even merely exist for entertainment, asked how Arun Prabu sees it, the filmmaker answers, “The collective intelligence is already high among Tamil audience. So, a small trigger is possible, I guess. Aruvi was celebrated by all, but Vaazhl became a niche and reached only a few. But even today, I get long messages on how Vaazhl influenced their lives. So, the film created some impact. That is more than enough for me.”

After Shakthi Thirumagan, Arun Prabhu is working on a couple of lines and says they are in early stages of creativity.

FAQs

Q. Who is the heroine of Shakthi Thirumagan movie?

A. Trupthi Ravindra is the heroine of Shakthi Thirumagan.

Q. What is the name of Vijay Antony's 25th movie?

A. Shakthi Thirumagan is Vijay Antony's 25th film as an actor.

Q. Where can I watch Shakthi Thirumagan?

A. You can watch Shakthi Thirumagan in theatres from September 19 and on JioHotstar (OTTplay Premium) post-theatrical run.