Exclusive! O2 director GS Viknesh: Stories should be intriguingly narrated, irrespective of release platforms

Director GS Viknesh, who made his debut with the recent release O2, starring Nayanthara in the lead, is elated with the response for the film. The movie started streaming on Disney+ Hotstar on Friday. This is the third film of the actress to drop on Hotstar during the pandemic era after Mookuthi Amman and Netrikann.

The film released amid huge expectations, thanks to its impressive trailer which was out a couple of weeks ago. However, O2, upon release, has opened to mixed responses from critics and the audience. The makers had begun shooting of the movie as a project meant for theatrical release, but they decided to go the OTT way when the third wave of the pandemic hit across the country.

According to Viknesh, the team chose actors from Tamil Nadu and Kerala, too, as the story is set in the border of the two states. The film revolves around a few bus passengers who struggle to escape after the vehicle falls into a gorge owing to a deadly landslide.

The filmmaker says, "We were keen on choosing the lead characters and developing an appropriate character arc for them. Popular Malayalam actor Jaffer Idukki was roped in because of the geographical factor of the story. Lena is another Mollywood actor who plays a notable role in the movie.``

He adds, "Bharath Neelakantan, Rishikanth, Tharani, RNR Manohar and Murugadoss are others who are seen playing important characters in O2. Bharath, who has directed K-13 is making his acting debut in the film. Murugadoss has come up with a stellar performance."

Quiz him about the difference in approach towards scriptwriting and making when a project is meant for an OTT release, Viknesh says, "I think stories should be intriguingly narrated, irrespective of the platforms. I didn't feel much difference in terms of work after knowing that the movie is heading for a digital release."