Vikram is renowned for his ability to transform himself for the sake of his characters, often choosing experimental films over commercial fare. His diverse filmography includes unique roles in movies like Pitamagan, Kasi, Aparichitudu, and I. Recently, with his latest film Thangalaan, Vikram has once again demonstrated his unwavering passion for cinema. He discussed his commitment to his craft in a recent interview with an English magazine.
In 2001, Vikram starred in Kasi, directed by Vinayan, where he portrayed a dwarf. His performance earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Actor. Vikram revealed that his dedication to his roles sometimes led to extreme physical transformations, which came with significant challenges. He recalled the filming of Kasi, saying, “I love acting and strive to do something special in each film. Not everyone is willing to go to such lengths. I don’t smoke or drink, but my passion for cinema drives me. For Kasi, I had to adopt a physical transformation that affected my vision. I had to keep my eyes raised to portray blindness, which led to temporary vision problems and a risk of strabismus.”
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Vikram’s dedication was further tested in the film I, directed by Shankar. For this role, he had to undergo a drastic weight loss from 82 kg to 52 kg. “The goal was to lose 50 kg, but my doctor advised against pushing further, as it posed serious health risks,” Vikram explained. “We had to halt the weight loss process to avoid damaging my vital organs.”
Thangalaan, set in the Kolar Gold Fields in Karnataka and directed by Ranjith, showcases Vikram’s intense preparation and dedication. Co-starring Parvathy Thiruvothu and Malavika Mohanan, the film released on August 15 to great anticipation and success in the South. It made its Hindi debut on August 30 and has so far earned Rs. 100 crore, underscoring Vikram’s continued impact on Indian cinema.