Director Venkat Prabu; Vijay in the still of ‘GOAT’ | Photo Credit: Johan Sathyadas J
Tamil cinema’s experiment with duumvirates is a story that lends itself to many case studies. First, it was Thyagaraja Bhagavatar and PU Chinnappa, then came Sivaji Ganesan and MGR followed by Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan and for the next generation, it was Ajith and Vijay. For the filmmakers, unsurprisingly, it is another feather in the cap to steer the film with these two actors; the latest to join this exclusive bandwagon is Venkat Prabhu. After working with Ajith on Mankatha (2011), the filmmaker has collaborated with Vijay forThe Greatest of All Timethe actor’s penultimate film before plunging into politics.
Excerpts from a conversation with the filmmaker:
Your journey is the envy of the next filmmakers because of the experiments you have done with the stars. What are you thankful for?
Being in this industry for almost two decades is a blessing, and I am grateful to the audience, actors and producers who believed in me. I am glad that people think they can expect something different from my films. The fact that I got to do a film with Mr. Vijay at the peak of his career is an achievement and I see it as an acknowledgment that my ideas and thought processes still work.
Vijay in the still of ‘GOAT’ | Photo Credit: Special Arrangements
A film of this size comes with its own challenges; what keeps you going in the process?
My heroes and producers believe in me, and no matter what, I want to deliver what I promised and make sure that the audience will be happy with the final product. If I have focused on the obstacle, I fear I have strayed far from my goal; Vijay sir said earlier in the function how one should only be able to go to his own goal like a horse with blinders, and not be perturbed by negativity.
sheepis a movie with huge production values ​​with big stars. But even nature ensures that we work without hindrance; when we were shooting in Hyderabad, there was a storm in Chennai, so the shooting was not disturbed. Right before the Russian schedule, the Moscow concert hall attack happened and we were hesitant to shoot it, but the shoot went as smoothly as we did anywhere. My technicians also cooperated to complete the film according to the budget and time promised, and it would not have been possible without my team. Everything fell into place for this movie.
There are many fan theories doing the rounds for ‘GOAT’ with fans decoding the trailer and trying to figure out the plot. Do you see this as a healthy trend?
I think this is because of the level of excitement that only great ‘movie stars’ incite. Me Manmadha Leelai– a smaller film – but not much is said about it even though there is a lot to decode. I even remember watching non-Tamil bloggers and YouTubers praising the movie but not many will see it. But they will see the same creator they are talking about sheep and that is star power.
I don’t know if it’s healthy, but I feel it would be great if they can enjoy the movie for what it is. Every YouTuber is a director and they want to show that they are smarter than the movie maker by trying to figure out what the movie is about. Ironically, I’ve told the entire story in the trailer itself (laugh). But that’s just the premise and there are more surprises in store.
Director Venkat Prabu Photo Credit: Johan Sathyadas J
In a previous interview, I was asked what the surprise was and I wondered how it would remain a surprise if I removed it! The surprise will last until the end of the first show as it will be released on social media. Some want to kill the experience for their viewers after they are just looking for attraction and becoming famous on social media. I know how some bribe channels that work on film sets to get exclusive tidbits and break what we want to surprise to be enjoyed on the big screen.
In the 90s, even the title of Mani Ratnam’s film would be announced because in those days there was no social media. The excitement and surprise that happens again today is impossible. Imagine someone like Lokesh (Kanagaraj) trying to keep Suriya’s cameo in Vikram surprised only to be revealed … and they were forced to announce it officially. I see the trend as a curse for filmmakers.
You have known Vijay for a long time and even acted with him. But how about looking at the performance through the director’s lens?
He is a very smart actor who knows the pulse of the audience. I can write scenes and tell how I want, but know how to improvise and accentuate it. He’s usually quiet on set, but when the cameras start rolling, the actor in him transforms him into an incredible phenomenon. He plays both roles in this film and has brought a lot of variation with his body language. With so many films under his belt, it’s no surprise that the actor in him is so good and I hope we get to use that aspect in this film.
Vijay in the still of ‘GOAT’ | Photo Credit: Special Arrangements
The film also features actors from Tamil films of the 90s. Are there any other veterans you would like to collaborate with?
Rejoice sir, of course; We are all big fans of her. Recently, he has done serious films, genre-centric like Prison. But like Vijay sir, Rajini sir and Kamal Haasan sir also have a good sense of humor and I would love to do such a film with them. I remember how I first wanted to do a sequel to Vikram (1986). I like the genre which is a spy thriller mixed with Indiana Jones elements. We grew up watching these actors and I’m happy to work with them.
‘GOAT’ songs received criticism; when addressing this, you said you would like to listen and watch when the movie is released in cinemas. Do you think audiences today prefer catchy hook lines over timeless songs?
Yuvan’s song grows on you .. for sheepI asked him about the old songs. Some of the songs that have come recently are good to hear momentarily, but eventually we forget them in a few months. Melodies always stand the test of time, even some kutu song do it. Songs like ‘Annaaththe Aaduraar’ (Apoorva Sagodharargal)give joy even today; I don’t think we have a song like that. Maybe I’m a little old…
We grew up listening to Isaignani (Ilaiyaraaja) songs.. but now, songs must be trendy for reels on Instagram, and designed for a momentary pleasure. Every music director can deliver songs that are timeless and touch the soul, but audio companies and production houses want them to go viral instantly because that’s how it is. I guess we just have to work with the trend.
The Greatest Of All Time will be released in theaters on September 5, 2024
