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Vijay,
chasing celluloid dreams
There’s something special in South India’s super hero Vijay, dubbed Ilaya Thalapathy (Youth leader) that gives him that extra spark. And that is why millions in India and Sri Lanka idolize the heartthrob who is dishing out hit after hit, filling cash counters in theaters. The Ghilli hero was in Colombo recently to mark a special ceremony in connection with the blockbuster. Speaking in a soft, lulling tone that commands close listening, the shy and reserved guy opened up like a book when he met a whole load of journalists at a news conference at the Holiday Inn hotel. Referring to super star status in the Tamil cinema, Vijay reiterated that Rajinikant was still the undisputed No. 1. Referring to his humble beginnings, Vijay said acting was his craze, perhaps inspired by his parents – S.A. Chandrasekaran and Shoba who were films directors and producers. He blushes beetroot red when asked how he felt when enacting passionate scenes under his father’s direction. In fact his father directed the first few films he acted. “Just imagine the embarrassment when my father asks me to kiss my heroine. That was terrible but gradually I overcame those difficulties. However my respect for my parents have not diminished a bit. They have been my towers of strength even after my marriage to Sangeetha,” says Vijay. Do you intend to take a plunge as a director some day?“Yes, may be in the near future, but nothing has been finalized. It’s only my dream and if that is realized it will be a commercial film with all crowd-pulling ingredients.” Referring to our local film fraternity, Vijay says that he hardly knew any, other than popular film star Sanath Gunathilaka who had been a family friend through his father’s links with him. When asked whether he would act in Lankan films, the romantic cum action hero says he would consider doing so if he got any offers. Vijay’s visit was facilitated by MR Associates Chief Anton Raj who was instrumental in bringing in Ghilli for a simultaneous release in India and Sri Lanka. The mind-boggling pace of the film Ghilli, however, sets in with Prakashraj’s entry. Ghilli is the nickname for the popular kabbadi player Velu (Vijay). His father (Ashish Vidyarti), an assistant police commissioner, is a martinet who finds his son (who still has his arrears to clear before he gets his degree) incorrigible. His mother (Janaki Sabesh), on the other hand, dotes on him. His younger sister Bhuvana (‘Baby’ Jennifer) is the typical sharp and inquisitive schoolgirl. Velu goes to Madurai for a kabbadi match. But circumstances force him to lend a helping hand to Dhanalakshmi (Trisha) who is fleeing from the cantankerous Prakashraj, a State Minister’s son, madly in love with her. From then on it is a hectic run for the two with Prakashraj and his henchmen, who seem to be teeming all over the place, close on their heels. The role is like any other you’ve seen him do in ever so many flicks. The names of the films may change but Vijay has been the same. But in this Sri Surya Movies’ production, the portrayal as a whole is on a different plane. Righteous anger, affection for the family, soft romance and agility on the playground, show us a different Vijay. The hero has portrayed the part with finesse and feeling. Trisha is not a mere glamour doll in “Ghilli.” Agony, ecstasy, sense and sentiment are expected of her and she manages quite well. With his finger right on the pulse of the viewer, and Vijay, the hero whom the masses today identify with, and Prakashraj, the inimitable villain in tow, this remake of the Telugu flick, “Okkadu,” comes a clear winner. ‘Ghilli’ is now being screened at the Cine City (Maradana), New Sigiri (Katugastota), Nelson (Trincomalee), Vasanthi (Vavuniya) and Raja (Jaffna). |
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Copyright © 2001 Wijeya Newspapers
Ltd. All rights reserved. |
“I
try to be as natural as possible and I can’t fake a smile.
Some people treat this as my weakness but how can I change my natural
traits?” Vijay asked when he was bombarded with questions
by the media.