Cannes 2022: An artiste must be political, says Kamal Haasan, ahead of his upcoming release, Vikram

The limited-edition Vikram NFTs, starring Kamal Haasan, was launched on May 18 at the 75th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, among the global film fraternity. On the sidelines of the event, the actor-politician, speaks to Film Companion, about the Lokesh Kanagaraj-film, which will hit the screens on June 3. Kamal Haasan also discusses the lessons he learned from his mentor, K Balachander.

Is he nervous about having a release after almost four years? Kamal Haasan says with laughter, he isn’t, because he has seen the film!"

Ulaganayagan notes how he's (still) an obedient scene player. (after spending six decades in cinema) When asked about his experience of working with Fahadh Faasil and Vijay Sethupathi, he says, “I’ve been taught by my guru K Balachander to never steal a scene because you will always get your chance. The director is concerned with moving everybody into place and building the film to a crescendo, so don’t try to spoil the show by trying to steal a scene. Don’t bomb a photograph; don’t distract a scene. I like comrades who are like that.”

How does Kamal Haasan surrender himself to the vision of another filmmaker? “It is very comfortable. Either you drive the car or you are being driven. What’s more comfortable than being driven in such traffic. Back-seat driving is not the right thing to do, you might end up crashing. I think Lokesh Kanagaraj took to the job very well and showed great enthusiasm!”

Kamal Haasan touches upon how his films discussed politics, even in the 80s. “I think cinema is a great podium and I have been political right from the beginning. So, my films including my guru’s films have it. Ek Duuje ke liye (1981) has a bit of language chauvinism. Zara Si Zindagi (1983) leans slightly towards the left. Thevar Magan (1992), Mahanadhi (1984) and Virumaandi (2004) talk about politics. I think an artiste has to be political.”

He goes on to insist, “One should not keep away or shrug his shoulders and say 'I’m just an artiste and I pander to the masses and don’t give any messages'. I believe that politics affects your life so you must affect it if you feel upset about things going wrong. You should do something to correct the pitch and not become too shrill!”

Speaking about his love for guns, Kamal Haasan adds, “I own a lot of them. I don’t hunt, I probably do target shooting. As a kid, shooting squirrels with air rifles seemed like fun but as you grow up, you understand that they are not worth hunting for food. Target shooting is more fun, it’s a sport. I’m not good at it but I’m a fan. All my films that have guns, like some of the Bazookas and the explosion in Vishwaroopam–are very realistic. The cameraman said the camera shook because of the explosion.”

Produced by Raaj Kamal Films International, in association with R Mahendran, Vikram (232nd film of Kamal Haasan) has music by Anirudh Ravichander. The film has dialogues by Aadai-fame Rathna Kumar.