Superstar Rajinikanth’s action thriller Vettaiyan: The Hunter, directed by T.J. Gnanavel and released during Dasara, has taken the box office by storm. With an ensemble cast including Amitabh Bachchan, Fahadh Faasil, and Rana Daggubati, the film has captivated audiences with its intense narrative and strong performances. In a recent interaction with the media, Gnanavel shared insights into the making of Vettaiyan, Rajinikanth’s role, and his plans for a prequel.
A Successful Partnership with Rajinikanth
Rajinikanth, thrilled by the film’s reception, acknowledged that Vettaiyan connected deeply with audiences across demographics. Gnanavel explained that his goal was to strike a balance between delivering meaningful content and including the iconic moments Rajinikanth’s fans expect. “I wanted to blend serious themes with those ‘Rajinikanth moments’ fans love,” Gnanavel said, noting the challenge of combining substance with entertainment.
Balancing Screen Legends: Rajinikanth and Amitabh Bachchan
Discussing the casting of Amitabh Bachchan and Rajinikanth, Gnanavel said the focus was not on balancing the star power but on balancing their characters’ ideologies. “Bachchan’s character was introduced with a strong persona, while Rajinikanth’s character had a more neutral beginning. Their ideological clash drives the narrative,” Gnanavel explained.
Tackling Real-World Issues Through Cinema
The film’s exploration of encounters and the justice system was inspired by Gnanavel’s observations of real-life incidents. He drew from Supreme Court judgments and discussions with human rights experts to ground the story. “The climax raises important questions about the justification of encounters,” he said, referencing a key scene where a supposed encounter turns out to be a case of mistaken identity.
Anirudh Ravichander’s Role in the Film’s Success
Gnanavel praised Anirudh Ravichander for composing the film’s music, noting that the composer’s ability to understand the audience’s pulse made him the ideal choice. “Anirudh’s music elevated the film, perfectly complementing its commercial and emotional elements,” he said.
Potential Comparisons to ‘Jana Gana Mana’
When asked if the encounter theme in Vettaiyan risked comparisons to the Malayalam film Jana Gana Mana, Gnanavel clarified that his film takes a different approach. “I focused on the lives and ethical dilemmas of encounter specialists, which adds a unique layer to the narrative,” he noted.
The Possibility of a Prequel
Following Vettaiyan’s success, Gnanavel revealed his interest in exploring a prequel, tentatively titled Vettaiyan: The Hunter. “It would delve into Athiyan’s journey as an encounter specialist and Fahadh Faasil’s transformation into a thief and police informant,” he shared.
Upcoming Projects and Suriya’s Support
While he has other projects lined up, Gnanavel remains focused on Vettaiyan for now, with further announcements expected in November. He also confirmed that Suriya, with whom he worked on Jai Bhim, expressed his support for the film despite being busy with his own project, Kanguva.
Conclusion
Gnanavel expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming response to Vettaiyan, which he hopes will continue sparking conversations about the issues it addresses. “It’s heartening to see audiences embracing the film’s message, alongside its entertainment value,” he concluded.
