Time to turn hero
|
Vivek's brand of rib-tickling, thought-provoking comedy has earned him fans in all age groups. Now he has opted for a complete change of image and enters the fray as hero with "Solli Adipaen." MALATHI RANGARAJAN in conversation with the actor ...
|
Vivek in "Solli Adipaen" ...
YOU HAVE witnessed Vivek's emceeing skills at many a podium. His presence of mind on stage has always proved amazing. Little wonder then that he has graduated in Law, though he changed tack to step into tinsel town. You have seen him as a responsible comedian in many films where in his own style he tries to instil civic sense and social awareness in the viewer. And as he takes care of his comedy tracks, again his wit has been to the fore. The actor is an excellent mimic too. Modelling — as the new brand ambassador of a soft drink — is another dimension. And at the film fraternity's recent mega show in honour of the Chief Minister you got to know yet a little known facet of his — the poetic bent. He waxed eloquent in poetic vein ably retaining his brand of subtle humour. Now this multi-faceted actor is all set to make a mark as hero in the soon to be released "Solli Adipaen," directed by SAC. Ramki. Actor Vivek is unique indeed.
Why a hero
"It's not a sudden move. People have been approaching me with such roles for quite some time now. It is only that I wanted to jump into it only after I was sure of the script. I'm not the regular kind of hero in `Solli Adipaen.' We worked on the screenplay for six to seven months to make it as taut and perfect as possible."
But not all comedians have succeeded as heroes ... "I can speak only for myself. I've agreed to play the lead in `Solli ... ' only because the story suits me." The film has plenty of humour and sentiment. Action, duets, dances — Vivek will be doing them all. "And because I play hero in one film it doesn't mean I will not do humour roles. I'll continue with comedy, even if I click as a hero... " he says.
His inspiration
Will he make it?
On the international scene it is Charlie Chaplin, Laurel and Hardy and Norman Wisdom who are a major inspiration. As far as Tamil goes, Vivek feels the best of comedy was in the black and white era.
M. R. Radha, T. S. Balaiah and Nagesh are among those whom he holds in high esteem. "Balaiah was a complete artiste," Vivek goes on.
Highlighting day-to-day issues is a norm in Vivek's comedy. And when he touches upon social causes M. R. Radha's influence is only too evident. "Yes," agrees Vivek. "Whenever I get a chance I feel it is my duty to point out matters, social and civic, that have to be addressed. Those who enjoy my wisecracks and barbs could also ponder over the corrective measures that I jocularly suggest." Even so, in true M. R. Radha fashion he often punctuates his dialogue with `Adappaavi ... ' "What's wrong? It's not as though only he used the word ... " is Vivek's rebuttal.
But how did his humour with accent on social awareness actually come about? "When the makers of `Tirunelveli' wanted a comedy track for the film, for the first time I took up a social theme and it became a hit with the audience. I see to it that no personal comments or character maligning find a place in my comedy. It is done in good humour and is received likewise. Nobody is offended," he smiles. Presumably Vivek is the only comedian to have fan clubs.
Yet another facet
Some of us have observed Vivek sitting glued to his seat at many a classical concert, engrossed in the music. "It is a passion. I love Carnatic music. I've been keyboard player since my college days. And though I don't think I have a great voice, I can sing ... " Vivek has sung a solo for "Solli Adipaen," but that's not his first song in cinema. He has rendered a couple of numbers for films such as, "Kandaen Seethaiyai" and "Super Kudumbam."
Unwarranted publicity
Instances of people passing adverse comments about Vivek's way of functioning do strike a discordant note. "Generally I don't allow them to affect me. This kind of publicity in a section of the media is the price you pay for being popular ... people around me know the truth and I don't find the time to send counters or explanations. People in the limelight are always vulnerable ... " Before he says anything further the actor is called for the next shot, and he politely takes leave to continue in his new role as hero ...
* * *
From the director's side ...
"SOLLI ADIPAEN" is SAC. Ramki's first film as director. Armed with the experience of having taken care of the artwork of over 20 films, this associate of S. A. Chandrashekaran takes off on his own with "Solli Adipaen." But how prudent is it to make a hero of one of the popular comedians of the day, that too in a technician's maiden film? "First I wanted a story that is different from the usual. `Solli ... ' is one. This hero will not be beating up 20 men at one go, but he is a very intelligent young man. We do have action and sentiment, along with a liberal dose of comedy," says Ramki.
Probably Vivek wished to make it as a hero and Ramki decided to pander to his whims ... "Not at all," denies Ramki vehemently. "In fact I am not even sure that Vivek wanted to do lead roles. It is only that I felt that he would suit the role perfectly ... and things are shaping up well ... " Vivek will be dancing to Deva's tunes in "Solli ... " and giving a lot of importance to his physique the actor is into regular workouts too, Ramki informs. Ramki is equally confident about his choice of heroine. "Chaaya Singh's chirpiness in "Thiruda Thirudi" made me feel that she would be suitable for the role opposite Vivek and I'm satisfied with the result," a confident Ramki tells you.
MRN
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Entertainment
