Director TJ Gnanavel Interview
T.J. Gnanavel: Interested in coming up with “Vettaiyan The Hunter” prequel
Super Star Rajinikanth’s action thriller Vettaiyan The Hunter directed by TJ.Gnanavel which released during Dasara is going great guns at the box office. The film featuring Amitabh Bachchan, Fahadh Faasil and Rana has been captivating the movie lovers in theatres. Following the success, director TJ.Gnanavel interacted with the scribes and shared his thoughts on the evolution of Vettaiyan and his future plans.
Rajinikanth is extremely happy with the success of ‘Vettaiyan’, as the film resonated with audiences from all walks of life. How did you manage to achieve this connection, especially considering it’s a departure from his previous film ‘Jailer’?
My primary goal was to create a film with compelling content while incorporating elements that would resonate with Rajinikanth’s fans. I wanted to ensure that while the film explored serious themes, it still had those iconic ‘Rajinikanth moments’ that his fans love. My challenge was to seamlessly blend these aspects.
Given your experience as a journalist, how did you approach portraying Rajinikanth on screen? Did he offer any guidance?
I’ve always had a keen understanding of public sentiment, which helped me envision how to showcase Rajinikanth on screen. When I presented the elevation scenes to him, he was very enthusiastic. He was aware of the audience’s expectations and trusted me to create a film that would be engaging and fulfilling.
‘Vettaiyan’ features both Rajinikanth and Amitabh Bachchan. How did you balance their presence in the film?
Rather than trying to balance the superstars themselves, I focused on balancing their characters’ ideologies. Amitabh Bachchan’s role was introduced first, showcasing his strong persona, while Rajinikanth’s character started with a more neutral stance. The clash of these ideologies drives the narrative in the second half.
The film’s story is centered around encounters and the justice system. What inspired you to delve into these themes?
I was deeply affected by the numerous news reports about encounter killings across the country. It made me question the reality of these encounters – were they truly justified, or were they fabricated? The climax highlights this very question, where we see the supposed encounter of red sandalwood smugglers turn out to be a tragic case of treecutters. My research revealed that the poor are often victims of such encounters, while the wealthy escape justice. The film also touches upon the issue of education system flaws.
Anirudh Ravichander composed the music for the film. What made him the ideal choice for this project?
Anirudh is renowned for his mass appeal and ability to understand the pulse of the audience. He excels at delivering music that complements commercial elements. He completely understood the film’s spirit and delivered music that enhances its impact.
Did the film’s encounter themes make you worry about comparisons with the Malayalam film ‘Jana Gana Mana’?
I did watch ‘Jana Gana Mana’, but my intention was to showcase the lives of encounter specialists from a different perspective. I wanted to explore the complexities and consequences of their profession.
Did you research real-life encounter specialist Sajjanar?
My research primarily focused on Supreme Court judgments and discussions with the Human Rights Commission. These provided a strong foundation for understanding the legal and ethical aspects of encounters.
How did you balance the film’s commercial elements with its serious themes?
It was crucial to find that balance. ‘Vettaiyan’ caters to both Rajinikanth fans seeking entertainment and audiences who appreciate thought-provoking narratives. I believe in the power of the constitution and the judicial process, and the film reflects that belief. While I couldn’t avoid action sequences with Rajinikanth, I ensured that they remained integral to the narrative.
Fahadh Faasil was the only choice for the character of Patrick?
Absolutely. Fahadh was the perfect choice for the role. He brought an intensity and depth that was crucial for the character.
Why was Fahadh’s character’s story arc concluded the way it was?
His character’s arc served a crucial purpose in the screenplay. He became a victim of the very system he was trying to exploit.
Where did you draw inspiration for the story?
The story is inspired by various real-life encounter cases, drawing parallels to the ethical complexities surrounding such incidents.
How did you convince Rajinikanth to work with you after his blockbuster success with ‘Jailer’?
Rajinikanth’s daughter reached out to me, inquiring if I had any stories that would suit him. It was a surprise, but he understood my style and gave me complete creative freedom to blend my vision with his expectations.
Did you have any other actors in mind for the role of Nataraj?
Rana Daggubati was my initial choice, but his schedule clashed. When Fahadh’s dates shifted, Rana became available, but everything fell into place perfectly. I had a well-defined script, and casting the actors was never a challenge.
How did you transition from ‘Jai Bhim’ to ‘Vettaiyan’?
I had a project lined up with Suriya after ‘Jai Bhim’, but the opportunity to work with Rajinikanth came up. I knew that while ‘Jai Bhim’ resonated with a specific audience, I needed to cater to the broader expectations of a Rajinikanth film. We aimed for a balanced approach, incorporating 50% entertainment and 50% social commentary. I couldn’t compromise on either aspect.
Are you planning a sequel to ‘Vettaiyan’?
I’m more interested in exploring a prequel. ‘Vettaiyan: The Hunter’ could delve into Athiyan’s journey, revealing how he became an encounter specialist, Fahadh Faasil’s transformation into a thief and police informant, and other aspects of the story’s backstory.
What are your upcoming projects?
I have a few projects lined up, but I’m currently focusing on ‘Vettaiyan’. I’ll be able to discuss my future projects in detail in the first week of November.
Did Suriya watch ‘Vettaiyan’ and offer any feedback?
He was out of the country working on ‘Kanguva’, but he congratulated me on social media when the release date was announced. He also personally expressed his support for the film. He is aware of my work and my vision.
Final thoughts?
I’m incredibly grateful for the positive response to ‘Vettaiyan’. It’s heartwarming to see the film being embraced by audiences across the country. I hope that it has sparked meaningful conversations about the issues it raises.
