Veteran actor Vijay Sethupathi gears up for the release of his landmark 50th film, “Maharaja.” In a recent press conference, Sethupathi discussed the film, his acting process, and his future endeavors.
A Milestone Journey: Reflecting on his career, Sethupathi expressed gratitude for the experience. “It’s been an amazing journey,” he said. “I have heard more than 500 stories and met countless people. There have been hits and flops, but it’s all been a great learning experience.”
A Fresh Role for a Special Film: Intriguing the audience, Sethupathi hinted at a unique character in “Maharaja.” “This character is very different from anything I’ve done before,” he revealed. “He’s introverted yet fiercely protective of his family. It’s a balancing act.” He further praised the film’s story, calling it “interesting” and one that “everyone will love.”
Working with Director Nithilan Saminathan: Appreciating the director’s vision, Sethupathi commended Nithilan Saminathan’s execution. “He has a great grasp on screenplays,” he said. “The screenplay in ‘Maharaja’ is truly special, and all the characters are well-developed.”
Natural Performances: When asked about his approach to acting, Sethupathi highlighted the importance of collaboration. “In-depth discussions with the director are key,” he explained. “Understanding the role is crucial, and I spend a lot of time working with the director during filming.”
Keeping Secrets: Maintaining an element of surprise, Sethupathi remained tight-lipped about the female leads, Mamta Mohandas and Abhirami. “You’ll have to watch the movie to find out,” he teased, emphasizing the unique nature of the screenplay.
A Passionate Producer: Sethupathi expressed his appreciation for producer Sudhan Sundaram. “This is my third film with Sudhan sir,” he said. “He’s a passionate producer who values good stories. He’s very sensible, and I’m looking forward to collaborating with him again.”
Musical Brilliance: Sethupathi praised the film’s music, composed by Ajaneesh Loknath, who also composed the music for the critically acclaimed Kannada film Kantara. “Ajaneesh has delivered exceptional music for ‘Maharaja,'” he said. “Both the background score and the songs are fantastic.”
Looking Forward: With 50 films under his belt, Sethupathi remains grounded. “I don’t have high expectations,” he admitted. “I focus on doing my work sincerely and letting the results follow.”
Beyond Lead Roles: Sethupathi addressed his willingness to take on character roles. “I’ve done a few character roles for friends, like in ‘Michael’ for Ranjith,” he said. He also spoke about his prominent roles in Telugu films like Uppena and Sainarasimha Reddy, driven by his admiration for actors like Chiranjeevi. His collaborations with superstars like Rajinikanth, Vijay, and Shah Rukh Khan reflect his dedication to good cinema.
Telugu Debut: When asked about the possibility of a straight Telugu film, Sethupathi expressed his openness. “I’m listening to stories,” he said. “A good story and production company need to come together.”
Directorial Aspirations: Hinting at his potential directorial debut, Sethupathi revealed, “I understand direction, and if a good story comes along, I’ll definitely give it a try.” He even shared, “I’ve already written dialogues and screenplays for three movies, so I have some experience.”
Telugu Release with NVR Cinema: Expressing his confidence in the Telugu release, Sethupathi commended NVR Cinema for their support. “They loved ‘Maharaja’ and have done great promotions,” he said. “I believe the Telugu audience will definitely connect with the film.”
Upcoming Projects: The interview concluded with a glimpse into Sethupathi’s future projects. He revealed working on three Tamil films and an upcoming Hindi film. With his dedication, versatility, and willingness to explore, Vijay Sethupathi promises to continue captivating audiences for years to come.