Director Siva opens up on Viswasam and the multiple facets of Ajith
by Rinku Gupta
In keeping with the title ‘Viswasam’, the bonding between Ajith Kumar and director Siva too has been loyal over the years. In fact, the feeling of positive vibes could be felt very much during this collaboration. The songs and trailer have gained a superb response. But, Siva remains quite calm and composed with confidence about the film, scheduled for worldwide release on January 10.
So how did it all happen? About the origins of Viswasam, director Siva says, “As soon as we decided to work on a new film, I narrated the Viswasam script to Ajith sir and I was very much surprised with his reaction. I had never seen him enjoy so much while listening to the script. In fact, he told me that it’s been a long time he came across such an entertaining script. Ever since, a feel of positivity started prevailing thoroughly from this moment and we are now ready with the release of the film.”
Filmmaker Siva has portrayed the onscreen avatars of Ajith Kumar as a saviour of the family (Veeram), a guardian of a sister (Vedalam) and the protector of a country (Vivegam). This has kindled an irresistible curiosity among the audiences to know about his role in Viswasam. “This film is purely about a man in Madurai, a son of the soil, someone who is irresistibly cheerful, but emotional too. I am sure, audiences will go back home with an emotional connect with the ‘Thookku Durai’ character.
Stressing on the ‘Emotional’ factor of Viswasam he assures, “I would openly admit that Viswasam will have a huge emotional impact than my previous films with Ajith sir. Of course, there are lots of theatre whistle- blowing moments involving mass and energy from him as well. We are supremely confident and positive about having a Super Pongal.”
Beyond all those mass screen moments, what makes actor Ajith Kumar the much adored person he is for fans, is the way he values certain responsibilities towards his fans and audiences. We ask Siva about such elements in Viswasam and he says “Ajith sir is always concerned about self -discipline as he believes it will have a good social impact. Maybe, certain things you hear from him might sound casual, but he ritually sticks to them and never gives up. I am sure you would have all noticed a shot where he and Nayanthara madam is seen wearing a helmet during a bike ride. He strongly believes it’s not just the safety of the rider, but the ones alongside them as well.”
Having travelled with Ajith Kumar for nearly 5 years and 3 films, director Siva is surprised about certain things. He says, “Among all the films I have worked Ajith sir, Viswasam will be close to my heart forever. Ajith sir kept surprising me with so many variations in performances, which I hadn’t witnessed. It was so evident that he was enjoying each and every bit of the process. In simple words, we as fans have always enjoyed watching the 'Star' Ajith but audiences will get to also see 'actor' Ajith blended here. "
Getting to the others in the star-cast, Siva says, “Nayanthara madam is a bundle of talent and she gives an impeccable performance. Her spontaneous ability to give perfect strokes even with little nuances in aperformance enthralled me. Her characterization in this film will be more substantial and would be prominent. Jagapathi Babu Sir’s antagonistic role will never step out of reality. You hear him saying in the trailer, “I am hero of my story” and justify it accordingly in a villain avatar. His role is something that many would come across in the day-to-day lives and it doesn’t go beyond the point of reality. I must say, Viswasam is gifted with so many talented actors. Starting from Vivek sir, Yogi Babu, Thambi Ramaiah,Robo Shankar, Kovai Sarala and many others, it has lots of talented actors.”
About his technicians he adds, "I am greatly indebted to my core team comprising DOP Vetri, Editor Ruben, Music Director Imaan, Action Director Dilip Subbarayan and Art director Milan for supporting me . Their excellence in their respective departments made this happen. The contribution of Sound engineer Udhaya kumar, Sound designer Hari, VFX team Selvam, and Co writer Adi Narayana Rao cannot be over looked.
Thanking his producers T.G. Thiyagarajan and Arjun Thiyagarajan, Siva says, “Thyagarajan sir has been a perfect gentleman and his support has been incredible. He made sure that the entire process was smooth by making the essentialities available. His son Arjun was so supportive and is majorly responsible for making us wrap up the project on time. In fact, my relationship with producers at Sathya Jyothi Films goes beyond generations as our grandfathers had worked together and we being associated as third generation are a blessing.”
In keeping with the title ‘Viswasam’, the bonding between Ajith Kumar and director Siva too has been loyal over the years. In fact, the feeling of positive vibes could be felt very much during this collaboration. The songs and trailer have gained a superb response. But, Siva remains quite calm and composed with confidence about the film, scheduled for worldwide release on January 10.
So how did it all happen? About the origins of Viswasam, director Siva says, “As soon as we decided to work on a new film, I narrated the Viswasam script to Ajith sir and I was very much surprised with his reaction. I had never seen him enjoy so much while listening to the script. In fact, he told me that it’s been a long time he came across such an entertaining script. Ever since, a feel of positivity started prevailing thoroughly from this moment and we are now ready with the release of the film.”
Filmmaker Siva has portrayed the onscreen avatars of Ajith Kumar as a saviour of the family (Veeram), a guardian of a sister (Vedalam) and the protector of a country (Vivegam). This has kindled an irresistible curiosity among the audiences to know about his role in Viswasam. “This film is purely about a man in Madurai, a son of the soil, someone who is irresistibly cheerful, but emotional too. I am sure, audiences will go back home with an emotional connect with the ‘Thookku Durai’ character.
Stressing on the ‘Emotional’ factor of Viswasam he assures, “I would openly admit that Viswasam will have a huge emotional impact than my previous films with Ajith sir. Of course, there are lots of theatre whistle- blowing moments involving mass and energy from him as well. We are supremely confident and positive about having a Super Pongal.”
Beyond all those mass screen moments, what makes actor Ajith Kumar the much adored person he is for fans, is the way he values certain responsibilities towards his fans and audiences. We ask Siva about such elements in Viswasam and he says “Ajith sir is always concerned about self -discipline as he believes it will have a good social impact. Maybe, certain things you hear from him might sound casual, but he ritually sticks to them and never gives up. I am sure you would have all noticed a shot where he and Nayanthara madam is seen wearing a helmet during a bike ride. He strongly believes it’s not just the safety of the rider, but the ones alongside them as well.”
Having travelled with Ajith Kumar for nearly 5 years and 3 films, director Siva is surprised about certain things. He says, “Among all the films I have worked Ajith sir, Viswasam will be close to my heart forever. Ajith sir kept surprising me with so many variations in performances, which I hadn’t witnessed. It was so evident that he was enjoying each and every bit of the process. In simple words, we as fans have always enjoyed watching the 'Star' Ajith but audiences will get to also see 'actor' Ajith blended here. "
Getting to the others in the star-cast, Siva says, “Nayanthara madam is a bundle of talent and she gives an impeccable performance. Her spontaneous ability to give perfect strokes even with little nuances in aperformance enthralled me. Her characterization in this film will be more substantial and would be prominent. Jagapathi Babu Sir’s antagonistic role will never step out of reality. You hear him saying in the trailer, “I am hero of my story” and justify it accordingly in a villain avatar. His role is something that many would come across in the day-to-day lives and it doesn’t go beyond the point of reality. I must say, Viswasam is gifted with so many talented actors. Starting from Vivek sir, Yogi Babu, Thambi Ramaiah,Robo Shankar, Kovai Sarala and many others, it has lots of talented actors.”
About his technicians he adds, "I am greatly indebted to my core team comprising DOP Vetri, Editor Ruben, Music Director Imaan, Action Director Dilip Subbarayan and Art director Milan for supporting me . Their excellence in their respective departments made this happen. The contribution of Sound engineer Udhaya kumar, Sound designer Hari, VFX team Selvam, and Co writer Adi Narayana Rao cannot be over looked.
Thanking his producers T.G. Thiyagarajan and Arjun Thiyagarajan, Siva says, “Thyagarajan sir has been a perfect gentleman and his support has been incredible. He made sure that the entire process was smooth by making the essentialities available. His son Arjun was so supportive and is majorly responsible for making us wrap up the project on time. In fact, my relationship with producers at Sathya Jyothi Films goes beyond generations as our grandfathers had worked together and we being associated as third generation are a blessing.”
