Cinematographer turned filmmaker Vijay Milton, who garnered much acclaim for his film Goli Soda besides bagging a few awards, is all geared up with a sequel titled Goli Soda 2, which is hitting the marquee on June 14, a week after Rajini’s Kaala release. At a time, there are hardly any new film releases two weeks post Kaala's release, as the makers fear that they may not get good theatres, Milton’s announcement has surprised many. In an exclusive to DC, Milton explains his reasons.
Tell us what's the film is all about?
The part 1 dealt with the identity crisis of any individual. Here in Goli Soda 2, how a person struggles to retain his identity and reach certain position braving all odds.
GS's success was mainly attributed to its perfect casting of a bunch of debutants. How about GS2?
Even in GS 2, I have chosen the lead characters from real life personalities who are in the same profession. For example, one among the three male leads plays a football player and I had picked up Isakki Bharat, who is a national level football player. Similarly, an auto driver character was inspired from social media fame auto driver Annadurai. I had auditioned and selected all and conducted workshop.
So, why and how did you opt for Gautham Menon for the crucial role?
I wanted someone with a local flavour with classy looks for that role. Gautham used to lend voice to all his villains in his films. I was always fascinated by his voice, which has a local Chennai flavour, but when you see him in person he is so classy. When I approached him for the character, who appears in first 10 and last 10 minutes, he just turned it down saying ‘I can’t act’. But he agreed to give a voice-over for the teaser which went viral. Perhaps, he must have got confidence in our work and later agreed (laughs). Thanks to Lingusamy sir who mediated between us.
He quickly adds…. “Gautham sir did all these without taking any remuneration.”
About Samudhrakani’s role
You would have seen him playing roles, which are bold and loud do-gooder for the society. Here, he is completely the opposite. He plays Natesan, a loser and is withdrawn, cowardly and is always scared of the society. He life would a lesson for others as how not to live.
We hear that your GST Vandi is moving in various cities to promote the film in a unique way.
Yes, about 3 vehicles called GST Vandi with promo banners on them and which carry cement, sand and other items required to construct the building of a school for mentally challenged in Chennai. And on the way the team distributes biryani, water, buttermilk and other things to the needy people. We are doing this in Kovai, Tiruchy, Salem, Pondicherry, and Madurai.
Don't you fear Kaala may spoil GS2's success rate?
I feel every film has its own space in the industry. If your content is good, the film will run on its own steam. I am confident of getting around 300 screens for my movie.
