Why Vignesh became a baddie

Actor Vignesh played a hero in 51 movies before changing tracks and playing a villain in Pa Vijay’s Aaruthra, a film that spoke about child abuse. Speaking to DC, he reveals why he decided to take up the unusual role. “Pa Vijay and I are good friends. When Vijay first approached me for the role, I was taken aback, and I refused to accept it. He told me that the film was supposed to have Siddharth playing the hero and Vijay playing the villain, but somehow that collaboration hadn’t materialised. Since the film was being made with the intention of creating social awareness about a pressing issue, I finally agreed,” Vignesh reveals.

Cautioning parents against the dangers of child abuse, the actor adds, “My only request to parents is not to let your girl children move about freely, even if it’s with relatives or friends.”

Ask the actor if he’s now willing to play a baddie again if filmmaker Bala offers him a negative role, and he says, “Why not? After all, an actor should be willing to explore.”

Despite being a talented actor, Vignesh is still waiting for his big break. “Apart from Sethu, I was also removed from Balu Mahendra sir’s Vanna Vanna Pookkal after working on it for seven days. But I will continue to strive, as my passion for acting cannot be curtailed,” he says.