Actor Vishal is known for his versatility in variety in every role he portrays. He stunned the Telugu Audience with his classy performance in award winning director Bala’s Vaadu Veedu. It is indeed a pride to see this Telugu native excelling in South Indian Cinema and also venturing into Production by establishing his own production company Vishal Film Factory. The actor is quite busy filming for his upcoming tamil film Poojai which stars Shruti Hassan in the female lead role. On the eve of his birthday, here is an exclusive chitchat with the talented actor:
Hello Vishal.. Many Happy Returns of the Day!
Hi.. Thanks a lot!
Please tell us about the current project you are working on- Poojai?
It is a simultaneous release in Tamil and Telugu. After Tamarabharani, I am working again with Hari garu in Poojai after seven long years. This film is schedule for Diwali release as Poojai in Tamil and Pooja in Telugu.
What is the most special aspect about Pooja?
After nearly 7 years the combination of me with Hari sir and Yuvan Shankar Raja has worked out. The film has gripping storyline and is well supported by big star cast. I am acting with Shruti Hassan for the first time. Veteran actress Radhika is acting as my mother in the film. Satyaraj can be seen in a pivotal role. This film would be very important in my career as an actor as well as producer. We are planning to produce in my home production company VFF. We completed the talkie portion and the climax shooting happened in Golkonda. One song is being shot in Switzerland. This is a big release in my career for sure.
There are many big films releasing in Tamil for Diwali like Vijay starrer Kathi and Shankar’s Ai, do you find it challenging to release your film amidst such tough competition?
(Laughs) I haven’t really thought about that. Prestigious banner AVM always announces the release date of their film during the shooting time itself, I wanted to do the same. I feel Pre production is more crucial for a film to be successful and I chose to focus on it right from the beginning. During the first day of the shooting on April 18th, I decided on the release date. Anyway, competition is always good!
Would it be a problem for your film in Telugu on festival release?
The good thing about Telugu film industry is that the distribution network is quite impressive. I always got theatres for my films despite being dubbed and that trust made me fix on the Diwali day release. There are good expectations on my film and I felt it is ideal for it to be a festival release. Hari’s films always have good family content.
But Pooja seems to be more action centric? Will it be suitable for Family audiences?
Most of my films till date had the action backdrop right from Pandhem Kodi. This film also has it but it is more story centric and the film doesn’t miss family values. Many people assumed that lot of violence would be there by watching the poster, but the film will have suitable action sequences.
Any significance for naming film as Pooja?
Usually we do pooja for starting any good task. The film also revolves around similar point. Like a triangle love story, this film has three important points which converge into one as the film progresses. In Tamil, the film starts in Polachi and ends in Patna. We are yet to think about the backdrop in Telugu dubbed version. The title has a good title value as well!
Do you find any resemblances with Singham style of narrating in this film Pooja?
One good aspect about Hari sir is he always thinks of showcasing a new sequence which has never occurred in his earlier films. He makes sure the previous reference doesn’t happen in any of his films. I watched Singham and after Hari sir coming and narrating me the story of Pooja, I found it quite racy and captivating.
What about your first Straight Telugu Film?
I am going to work on a straight Telugu film which starts in November-December. It is going be directed by Sashi Kanth. The film is yet to be finalized with respect to crew and team. The release date would be in the summer of coming year. Sashi Kanth is a newcomer who has worked earlier with Srinu Vaitla. The title is yet to be decided. It has been a long time pending task for me to work in a straight telugu movie!
Do you plan to produce any straight Telugu Films in coming future?
Oh yes I would want to give break to budding film directors in Telugu through my production company. I would surely work on the same. I want to bring forth new genres of film making in Telugu for sure. In fact, my inspiration to coming in Cinema was Ram Gopal Varma.
Would you work with director Bala once again, after the success of Vaadu Veedu?
Yes. Bala sir already informed me to be ready for coming year to do a film with him. I don’t know when exactly but there would be a film in coming year for sure with Bala sir. I am waiting to work with him again because I got identified as an actor with Vaadu Veedu.
Do you believe in risk taking for acting?
Absolutely. The risks an actor takes would be reflected on screen which makes me to take more such risks and venture out into challenges. Many people started saying that why should I opt for another Bala sir film after working so hard earlier. But I believe in working hard to get the best output.
Tell us about your working experience with Shruti Hassan in Pooja.
This is my first time working with her. She is going to sing a song as well for the film. It is great to work with her and she is very talented. She is in huge wave now especially in Telugu Cinema.
When will the audio launch for Pooja in Telugu?
It is on October 10th and the film would be releasing on 22-23rd on the same month. The tamil version would be releasing in September ending.
Your role in Pooja?
I work as a money lender in the film. He is from a big background but why he is working such market is the main story.
Marriage plans?
I am just celebrating my 21st birthday tomorrow (laughs)! No marriage plans yet!
You have did as an actor, director and producer. Do you want to do any other roles in Cinema?
There are many pending! I did as a heroine in Vaadu Veedu (Laughs). But yes, I want to do a negative role resembling Joker in The Dark Knight.
Okay.. thank you and wish you the best for upcoming projects!
Thanks a lot!
