Fitting into his own character: Vishnu Unnikrishnan

Most often things do not go according to the plans mortals make; there is some higher power that deems fit to arrange and rearrange events so that the best laid plans go askew. Vishnu Unnikrishnan and his friend Bibin George, with stardust in their eyes, set out to script a film which they planned to act as the lead. Along came actor Nadirshah who was to direct the film and who felt that established actors would do the film good and ensure more visibility for the film. He added that if the film were to become a success, Vishnu could act all he wanted in the next film. Vishnu and Bibin saw the logic in that statement and happily agreed.

That was the film Amar Akbar Antony and it went on to become a huge hit as foreseen by Nadirshah. Oh yes, Vishnu also got to play a role as a villain in the film. That happy coincidence over, Vishnu and Bibin wrote their second script for Nadirshah and this time Nadirshah thought Vishnu fit the role of the protagonist in Kattapanayile Hrithik Roshan and out of the blue, Vishnu turned a hero.

Though Vishnu has acted in a number of films, it is the first time he would be playing the lead. The trailer of the film, which has been notching quite a number of hits on YouTube, opens with the statement, “Everybody wants to be an actor but only a few become an actor.” That in a nutshell encapsulates the essence of the film. Vishnu adds, “Kattapanayile Hrithik Roshan was planned with another actor in mind but Nadirikka felt that I suited the role and that is how I became the writer as well as actor.”

Talking about his character, Vishnu says, “I play the role of Kichu from a village who nurses a deep longing to act in films. In a way, my character represents the youngsters of today who want to become a part of tinsel town. Certain incidents unfold in his life which takes the story forward. The best part of the film is the comeback of actor Salim Kumar in a comic, slapstick role after a while.” Though Vishnu was slightly apprehensive, the shoot of the film proceeded like a dream since he had a very friendly rapport with the director. What gave Vishnu the jitters was doing double duty.

He explains, “I not only had to act but since I was the writer, I also had to pay attention to the dialogues. The scenario was that I had to speak my dialogues and then get tense about whether my co- actors were mouthing the right dialogues.” The actor is currently dubbing for the film and mentions that he has not written any new script since his complete focus has been on the film.