The unconventional antagonist

Don’t fall prey to the stereotypes manufactured by yesteryear cinema! And whatever you do, never, ever ask your villain to twirl his moustache. Because cinema has been changing and character stereotypes have been changing too. Anybody can do any role if they are talented. Proving the same is Vijilesh Karayad, one of the characters in the recent hit Varathan, who has a heinous nature in the movie. He is the same guy who put a smile on everyone’s face with his down-to-earth look and catchphrase Enthale in Maheshinte Prathikaram.

Vijilesh believes he had his moments in Varathan that could give him the big break for shattering the stereotypical concept of a villain. “Usually, even if we have seen not-so-terrifying-looking people doing immoral activities, movies don’t show that.

They always put a big, moustache-twirling, tall guy in those kinds of roles. Not anymore. Things have changed a lot. More importantly, viewers have changed. They have started accepting small men like me as negative characters. Amal Neerad knows it and he gave this role to me. I am obliged to everyone,” says Vijilesh.  

After completing his masters in theatre studies, he was active in theatre, which he loved from a very young age. His association with his friend Rajeesh led to some hit dramas like ‘Jilebi’ and ‘Kannadi’, which he says they have performed on over a thousand stages. That experience helped him in delivering a notable performance in Maheshinte Prathikaram, directed by Dileesh Pothan. “I was lucky to get that role and work with Dileesh, who was also a student of Kaladi Sreesankara University where I did my Masters,” he says.

The signature facial expression and shy face won’t fade from the minds of those who have seen him perform in Maheshinte Prathikaram. Since then, he has done more than 12 films, including Theevandi and Varathan. “I am just trying hard to do what the director wants me to do. I try not to look odd when I act. I always try to deliver what the situation in a scene demands. Understanding the situation is the key. If the character is very realistic and someone we can really relate to, the job is easier. I look for examples and try to study, that works a lot in both movies and theatre,” says Vijilesh, who adds that Varathan was a challenge.

Vijilesh hopes to be a part of more films but theatre will always have his heart. Although he is in talks with some directors for new projects, nothing has been decided yet.