Pandiraj's 'Kathakali' is different from my other films, says Vishal

Vishal is back on screens this Pongal with a new release. The actor has worked with director Pandiraj for the first time and the audience is being treated to an action thriller called Kathakali. In an exclusive chat with dna, Vishal talks about the film, working with Pandiraj and more.

Why is the film titled Kathakali?

It’s not referring to the dance form. The word is used colloquially among youth like ‘avan kathakali aada thayaraayittan’ (he is ready for the game). It’s common Tamil usage. 

Kathakali is director Pandiraj’s first action film. 

Yes, it’s his first full-fledged action film per se. Kathakali is a crime thriller. He actually narrated two scripts to me – one I can do at any time as the role is similar to what I’ve done before. This script was different and I said, "Let’s do this". This movie is based on a real-life incident. 

Since you’ve done many action films before, did you give your inputs?

Pandiraj and I would discuss scenes and he took our inputs especially for the action sequences. He was very open to ideas and suggestions. But he knew exactly what he wanted as a director even if he hadn’t done an action film before. Even during the song choreography, he would give his inputs. 

Hip Hop Aadhi and you have a good equation. 

I suggested Hip Hop Aadhi to Pandiraj and he agreed to have him on board as music director. Aadhi has done a wonderful job in this film especially with the BGM – the audience must watch out for that. There are two songs in the film. Pandiraj is also very happy with Aadhi’s work. 

Watch the trailer of Kathakali here:

There are many new people you’ve worked with in this film including Catherine Tresa and Madhusudan.

That’s true. Pandiraj was looking at a fresh team of faces rather than the usual suspects. He wanted a fresh pair for me and he had seen Madras and liked Catherine’s work in that film. Since this was a crime thriller, he felt that people would figure out the culprit and the story easily if the more well-known faces worked in the film.

How is Kathakali different from your other films?

Firstly, in the second half of the film there are no songs— it’s just 59 minutes of edge-of-the-seat action thriller. This is the first time that I’m doing a film with no songs in the second half. Secondly, it’s a film shot realistically, it’ll have no over-the-top action sequences or exaggerated scenes. There is action, romance and comedy but it’s all in the Pandiraj style. The movie is just two hours long.

There are other films also releasing this Pongal.  

Kathakali is for the family audience. I’m no longer nervous when my film releases and competition is always good. Sri Thenandal Films has done a fantastic job marketing the film as well. We have a good number of screens in Tamil Nadu.