Vijay Sethupati, whose Gandhi Talks is being screened at the 54th IFFI at Goa, shared his views on the film and cinema in general. Here are excerpts from his interaction with the media:
Q: How do you view your work?
Cinema is a very beautiful language and a wonderful medium to explain one’s culture to the world and experience other cultures. I am blessed to be part of cinema and working in this medium gives me immense happiness. I am enjoying every moment.
Q: You’ve made a name for yourself both in big-screen films and on OTT. What’s it like, working in these two different mediums?
Whether they’re on the big screen or small screen, films tell stories about people. There’s no difference in that. And playing different characters makes me feel happy.
QAs predominantly a member of the South film industry, what’s your take on other film industries?
I see all countries as part of one world and the audience as universal. We watch all kinds of films, whether they’re made in India or any other part of the globe. If the film is good, people everywhere love it. That’s what happened during the lockdown phase – Everybody was asking each other whether they’d watched this film or that one. Everyone was recommending good films to watch.
Q: Are you looking forward to attending the IFFI 2023 at Goa?
It’s been a very long time since I have attended a film festival. This is the first time I’m attending the IFFI, and it feels great. I like to watch the films of others, and will do that at the IFFI 2023. My silent film Gandhi Talks will be screened here, and I’m happy about that as well.
Q: You are known for action and romantic roles. As such, how challenging did you find this silent role?
Where is the challenge? I liked the story and believed in it. I didn’t choose the film because it is a silent one, I chose it because I wanted to do something new. I think it’s a beautiful film. I try to communicate emotions silently to the best of my ability. In every film I try to perform to the best of my ability.
Q: The strong dialogues you’re known for are a missing factor in Gandhi Talks. Do you consider it a risk to do a silent film when you’re are at the peak of your career?
Every film carries a risk. We have to wait for the audience reaction to find out whether it will be a success. This will never change.
Q: What was it like, doing such an out-of-the-box movie?
I think there is nothing out-of-the box about the film. We make films to bring the money back to the producer. Producers believe in us in the same way that our audiences do. It’s our responsibility to bring audiences back to theatres.
Gandhi Talks, featuring Vijay Sethupati, is set to become the first silent film to be screened at the IFFI. Kishor P Balekar wields the megaphone, while Academy Award winner A R Rahman scores the music for the movie.
