A film like 'Dangal' is universal; though it narrates a story that happened in Punjab/Haryana, we like its inspirational story and its idea of celebrating the girl child.Collection: Inspirational
I took home the pattapatti underwear that I wore in 'Paruthiveeran' for nostalgia's sake.Collection: Home
After I did my graduation in mechanical engineering, I got a scholarship to go to the U.S. to do my master's. So I did that. I also worked there for a while. After my master's, I did a course in Film Appreciation.Collection: Graduation
When 'Yuganiki Okkadu,' the Telugu dubbed version of 'Aayirathil Oruvan,' released, I didn't like dubbing for my character. Someone much older had done it, and it didn't have the flavour.
For me, Surya's 'Varanam Ayiram' is a big inspiration.
I started off as an assistant director in Mani Ratnam's 'Ayudha Ezhuthu' and 'Yuva.'
When I was in the U.S., I was caught by the cops for speeding and charged a fine of 200 dollars. I didn't have so much money then - I was still a student - but I certainly didn't want to spend a night behind bars. I called a few of my friends frantically and they bailed me out of the situation.
I always remember what my dad told me when I decided to turn into an actor. He was emphatic that whatever I do, I should get accepted by the audiences who watch my films.
I loved movies and watched a lot of them. But my father insisted that I get a good education before I joined the film industry.
I always knew I wanted to be in films, but I did not know exactly what I wanted to do.
I am not a sportsperson. I used to spend all my time in front of a computer.
I had to go for physical training for 'Aayirathil Oruvan.' I had to do stunts which required huge leaps.
It is a treat to do scenes where you silently enact.
I want to travel all over India.
I was dying to start shooting for 'Paiyya.' I had worn no good clothes for months, and I was dying to wear good clothes. And, for 'Paiyya,' they gave me eight clothes to change in a day!
I must admit, strong films are more interesting to me, as, by the end of the day's shooting, you feel good.
I would say I was not working in the real sense in 'Paiyaa.' After doing very heavy scenes in my first two films, in 'Paiya,' I was romancing a girl, talking all sorts of funny things, and doing all light things just as if I were not acting!
An actor has to do everything, all genres of films.
'Paruthiveeran' was a difficult film to work on. It was my first film but a very strong character.
In Tamil Nadu, watching a film on a festival is a part of our culture. People prefer going to a theatre rather than bursting crackers at home.
When my first film 'Paruthiveeran' released, I had no time to get excited. It was a worrying time for me. I was anxious to know how it would be accepted.
I would say 'Siruthai' is a masala film with all the masalas in the right proportion.
I like doing comedy.
I've not done the Jackie Chan kind of stunts.
Actors usually feel skeptical about double hero films because one character might overshadow the other, but the late scriptwriter K. Subash has penned 'Karuppu Raja Vella Raja' in such a way that Vishal and I have equal scope in the film.
I have been receiving calls from all quarters since the release of 'Madras.' I need to thank audiences for believing in me and making this film successful.
I always try and do good films.
Who would want to do a bad film? It's just that not all films work in my favour, and I'm fine with it.
I've played heavy characters in my first two films.
I've known Radhikaa akka for a long time, and have seen her perform like a pro in front of the camera. But, to work with her and mouth dialogues in her presence had me in jitters.
I just want to be fit because I want to look nice without a shirt.
Even for 'Paruthi Veeran,' I'd work out for six hours every day and lost 10 kg.
My parents have ensured that we never develop starry airs.
I will try to be a good husband.
I have drawn a clear line between my personal and professional life.
I've always been a fun-loving guy, and my films will always have some humour.
My fans are the most important people in my career, and I've always wanted to do something in return for them.
Suriya is more handsome than me.
My fans are indulging in social welfare activities from time to time and have also been helping economically backward students.
Everything is new about 'Siruthai.' This is the first time I'm playing a dual role - a thief and a police officer!
Since one of my roles is that of a con man, I actually mingled with a few pickpockets in north Chennai to get a hang of their body language and mindset.
The audience in Kerala have been giving a good response to my films, including 'Paiyaa' and 'Siruthai.'
It's always been great shooting in Kerala.
My mother used to pat me instead of slapping me whenever I made a mistake.
I really want to do a Telugu movie.
In my career, I have learnt how to handle failures in a matured manner.
We should teach our children about the reality of failure. Instead of buying them iPhones and iPads, we should teach them values and reality.
My fans loved 'Rathnavel Pandian,' as they love mass, but 'Theeran' gave me complete satisfaction.
I would love to do a Malayalam film if the right script and character comes along.
Though I have done films like 'Siruthai' with larger-than-life characters, I have more of a guy-next-door image.