In a media chit-chat, TJ Gananvel, the director of Rajinikanth’s blockbuster hit Vettaiyan, shares insights into the film’s success and his experience working with the Kollywood superstar.
Balancing the presence of two superstars—Amitabh Bachchan and Rajinikanth, was not a challenge for Gananvel. “I always tried to balance Satyadev and Athiyan, not Amitabh and Rajini,” he clarified, adding, his focus was on the characters’ ideologies and ambitions.
Gananvel’s motivation for choosing this script stemmed from his desire to explore the theme of encounters. “We don’t know anything about the Naxalites,” he said. “We don’t know what they did.” His research led him to question the system and the concept of encounter killings.
Gananvel was mindful of comparing Vettaiyan to other films, such as Jana Gana Mana, which also tackled fake encounters. However, he emphasised that his film offers a unique perspective.
Gananvel’s research included studying encounter cases, Supreme Court reports, speaking to cops, human rights activists. He said he wanted to convey the human side of those affected by encounters.
The director revealed that both Rana and Fahadh Faasil was his first choice for the role of Patrick. “I wanted a corporate look and Rana fits that perfectly! I still remember his Baahubali look, so that negative shade is there too,” Gananvel explained.
Assembling a star-studded cast, including Big B, Rajini, Fahadh, Rana, and Manju Warrier, required confidence in the script. “Everybody said that we justified all characters,” he beams.
After the success of Suriya’s Jai Bhim, Vettaiyan’s success marks another milestone in Gananvel’s career, demonstrating his ability to craft compelling stories that resonate with audiences.
