TJ Gnanavel on Rajinikanth's ‘Vettaiyaan’
TJ Gnanavel is perhaps the only filmmaker in recent times to have directed a Rajinikanth starrer, apart from Pa. Ranjith, who has done two films; the filmmaker calls the experience of making this film - which also marks Amitabh Bachchan's Tamil debut - truly "surreal".
Calling it an exciting venture, Gnanavel says, "It is exciting to do a Rajini sir film and to have stars like Amitabh sir, Rana Daggubati and Fahadh Faasil on board makes it even more exciting. There is also the responsibility to justify their presence in the film and I believe we have done a good job of that."
How challenging was it to incorporate your original idea into a Rajinikanth film?
There is a 50-year-old pattern on how a Rajini sir film should be and no one can break that mold. If you can embed your story within that pattern then it is a win-win situation. The idea was to give an entertaining story without disappointing his fans.
I think ‘mass’, ‘commercial’ and ‘message’Words like mass are seen from a narrow perspective. For example, Jai Bhim had mass scenes – not for Suriya sir but for Sengenni (Lijomol Jose). The scene where she walks out of the police station features a grand orchestra recorded in a Hollywood studio. Had the film released in theatres, it would have been a mass theatre moment. I believe mass moments are not just limited to actors, but also scenes. When you have someone like Rajini sir, such moments come quite naturally. With a body of work spanning over 50 years, such scenes come naturally while writing the script. Also, no matter who is playing the lead, every film needs its heroic moments. The recent Labbar Pandu did not have superstars but had moments built around its lead actors.
How was it working on the script with your wife B Kiruthika on the film’s screenplay?
We had decided to work together even before we got married; she has also worked on the script of Jai Bhim. As far as working with her is concerned, there is no need to explain what I am thinking on the set. During long schedules, I may have to be on the set all day and I don’t have to explain to my wife as she will also be with me. We have open discussions and I also get a new female perspective thanks to her. She is also a die-hard Rajini sir fan!
‘Koothathil Oruthan’ had a scene on custodial torture while ‘Jai Bhim’ was centered on the same concept… Now ‘Vettaiyaan’ is also about a cop. What do you find interesting about the police force?
Their world is criticized a lot and I strongly feel that it needs reform. Custodial torture has no place in a democratic, modern society and if it continues, it means we have not reached that level as a society. Custodial torture is not only illegal but also morally wrong. Since I come from a journalism background, I have a broader perspective on it; I have met people who have experienced it and those experiences can reflect in my works.
At the audio launch of the film, Anirudh described ‘Vettaiyan’ as very different from his previous films. How did you work on the music of this film?
Today, Anirudh is the best at creating mass moments for Rajini sir. He also understands the pulse of the audience and can give music of any genre, but we recognise him only for ‘mass’ tracks. ‘Mansilayo’ is a huge hit, but Vettaiyan also has a soulful track sung by Sean Roldan, for which Ani has done a brilliant job. I remember asking him why he doesn’t do such songs in all his films and he said he doesn’t get such films!
How did it feel to see Rajinikanth and Amitabh Bachchan in the same frame for the first time?
It was a surreal moment (smiles). It hit me when I realised it was being recorded and they start and stop when I say "action" and "cut"! Watching them alone is exciting in itself... so I don't have words to describe how it feels to watch them together. I am glad that they managed to recreate the magic after coming together again after 38 years, and I am proud that it happened in this film.
While it is nice to see talents from different industries acting in one film, there is also criticism that the sole purpose of this is to market the film in different markets across India...
I think the criticism is right but as far as Vettaiyan is concerned, I would tell you to hold back the criticism till you see the film. Initially the idea was not to make a pan-Indian film; only from the moment Rajini sir joined it, it became one. But the story demanded certain characters. When I wrote a character for Amitabh Bachchan sir, Rajini sir told me that it had been many years since they worked together and despite the efforts of many filmmakers, they had never worked together on a project. I told him I would like to try and do that, and was successful in convincing Bachchan sir that he would be perfect for the role of Satyadev.
The same happened with Rana and Fahadh; they were cast not because they are from different industries but because I felt they would be perfect for these characters. I also believe that actors should not be confined to boundaries. When I watch a film from Iran or a film like Capernaum, it all depends on whether the emotions are understood or not, not on the language. We feel we have justified their presence because we know how it can backfire if the actors are not presented well.
Do you think films can bring about social change?
I think films can spark change; I don't see them as a one-stop solution. I made Jai Bhim with the hope that it would make the audience think about the horrors happening around them and make them feel guilty for not addressing it. Things changed overnight and Did the Irula community get their rights? The answer is no. But I believe this film is a step in that direction.' Moreover, it also documented events that will be available for viewing even after decades.
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