‘DRAWING VIEWERS A HERCULEAN TASK’

Dhanush feels drained by film promotions, but knows that cinema must fight to survive

Actor Dhanush’s latest project Velaiilla Pattadhari 2 (VIP 2) is a trilingual venture. He has not only acted in the film, but has also written and produced it. “It’s actually not that difficult,” he says on juggling hats, “once you write the script, and if you believe in what you’re doing.” This film being the second part of the hit 2014 movie makes marketing it less of a chore. “Since it’s a sequel, it gets easier,” says Dhanush. “I’m talking from a business point of view. And this is a story and character I love.” Dhanush, whose notable Bollywood films include Raanjhanaa (2013) and Shamitabh (2015), accepts that film promotions are necessary, but finds them tiring. “I enjoy filming. I’ve worked three days without sleeping, but still didn’t complain. But promotions — it’s saying the same thing again and again. I wish I could make everyone sit and give one interview (laughs). But... promotion is necessary for [a film] to reach people,” says the actor. Does it really boost box office numbers? “The entire game is about the first three days’ collections,” he says. “And if your film is good, it will work. These days, for people, entertainment is everywhere… television, digital streaming channels, and mobile apps. Making audiences come into theatres has become a Herculean task. So promotions are necessary.” The VIP films are about a jobless young man who finds a foothold in the corporate world, but pays the price of success. For the sequel, Dhanush co-stars with Kajol; this is their first film together. He says, “I was waiting for the right spark. Then two years ago, I got an idea and started developing it. Then I was wondering who’d play the character of Vasundhara and we discussed that someone like Kajol ma’am would be superb. Then we thought, why not Kajol ma’am only?” He adds, “Kajol ma’am is a great human being — straightforward, confident, and positive. We missed her and her energy when she went back [after filming].”

Cinema is at a very critical stage right now. The exposure is bigger. It’s a great time to cross boundaries DHANUSH, ACTOR

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