I don’t bother about criticism: Vijay Anthony

The expectations surrounding ‘Yaman’ have increased ever since the film’s trailer was released. Film’s lead actor and composer Vijay Anthony points out that it is not a regular political drama.

“We have shown politics in a complete different angle. It is not borrowed from anyone’s life; it’s a fictitious take on politics,” he says, adding that director Jeeva hasn’t done any research as such for the story. “Since everybody is aware of politics and politicians life, he didn’t felt the need to research.”

The film traces the journey of a common man (played by Vijay) who, after overcoming every other obstacle, becomes a minister. “He is the Yaman for corrupt politicians in the film,” he smiles. “Our puranas tell that Yaman is the avatar of Lord Shiva who fights to uphold dharma but we have been showing him in a different dimension altogether (in films).”

But didn’t he find the content too heavy for his image? “I believe anyone can act and if you are narrating a good story with required efforts, it will connect to the audience. I don’t think image has anything to do with telling a story but if you feel one need to have a little image to play ‘Yaman’, I think I have little,” he laughs.

Vijay, who has produced most of his films till now, including ‘Yaman’, finds production tough. “It is a difficult job but if an actor knows what a producer goes through making and while releasing a film, I’m certain that he’d be of more obliging to the producer. I believe every actor should produce at least two-three films in his career,” he says, admitting that when he decided to become an actor, nobody was willing to invest in him.

“When the technician decides to become an actor, nobody will fund his project. Some industry people thought I’ve gone crazy. I had to struggle for my first two films. In fact, until ‘Bichagadu’ released, I struggled like a real bichagadu.” He admits that composing music, monitoring the production activities and acting at the same time gets to him physically. “I have to learn to manage time. I’m sure I’d be good in the future.”

Repeatedly, Vijay, in many public dos and interviews, pointed out that he is not a good actor. Ask him whether it’s a safe ploy from his end to avoid criticism? “I don’t bother about criticism because I am aware of weak areas,” he shoots back. “I hide my minuses by selecting a good script. If someone approaches me with another political subject and if I find it interesting, I’d sign it.”

Thanks to the resounding reception that ‘Bichagadu’ received in TS and AP, Vijay wants to do bilinguals henceforth, though his immediate next would be a Tamil one as he has committed to it long back. “Even if I’m not in a position to come to TS and AP to shoot for the film, I will ensure that Telugu technicians travel to TN. I want to do bilinguals moving forward.”

Nonetheless, Vijay is averse to the idea of multi-starrers. “I don’t want to act in a two-hero film. My way of filmmaking is different. At times, I might shoot continuously without taking a break and that might not be a feasible option for the other actor. To avoid such complications, I want to refrain from doing multi-starrers,” he says.

Like his character in ‘Yaman,’ does he nurse political ambitions? “I may become a politician. I don’t want to say no. Why should I be afraid? If I’m bored of acting after six-seven years and if I feel like serving the society I want to get into politics.”