I am a bad dancer.
— Vijay Sethupathi
My father always used to ask me what my aim in life is. I used to tell him I don't have any.
Most of my friends are assistant directors.
I don't want to do films for the fun of it.
When 'Pizza' released, I was a nobody. Initially, we managed to get only 100 screens. But, after its success, the producers of 'Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom' got 150 screens and also released the film in the U.S. Now, distributors are keen to invest in my films because they feel I have face value.
There is no hard and fast rule that I only work with debutants. I give prime importance to script, and when that works out, everything else falls in place automatically. In fact, most debutants express interest to work with me.
I don't believe a role can be written keeping in mind some actor. Even if such roles exist, I don't pick them because I generally choose roles that I think will suit my image.
Caste has divided us. I wish it should be completely abolished from our society.
Education is a basic necessity.
I don't have a role model.
When I did 'Naanum Rowdy Thaan' with Nayanthara, she was in the peak of her career - I was apprehensive about her willingness to act with me.
Audience come with expectations, and our job is to engage them for two hours. We take efforts to make the story more interesting and also present it in such a way that it is liked by all the audience.
The very expectation that an actor loves to experiment becomes a shackle that is difficult to snap out of.
I am not bothered about my career graph, as I am someone who doesn't believe in planning things.
Once, when I was driving my bike with my helmet on, two girls recognized me by just looking at my eyes.
I want to make my kind of films but make them work commercially, too. When my presentation meets the director's imagination, the result will be great.
I don't differentiate a film as off-beat or commercial, because I just don't understand the difference. 'Naanum Rowdy Thaan,' for example, wasn't written for me. It came to me by chance after two or three other heroes turned it down. I agreed to do the role, as I liked the script immensely.
As an actor, I always feel that each and every character in my films has to be distinct. The character Thilak that I play in 'Kavan' will be one such unique role in my career.
When I listen to a script, it has to be entertaining. People who come to theatre should be happy and entertained.
I don't choose my directors, but I choose my scripts wisely.
'Vikram Vedha' is special because it has taken me to the next level in my career.
Directing films is easier said than done. The job needs a lot of sensibility to put many things in place.
If you have a meaty part to play, I don't see the harm in being part of multi-starrers. Moreover, I will be happy to be a part of a good film than playing lead roles in some bad films.
In feature films, I used to be the hero's friend, a regular character. In short films, I played the hero; I got roles where I could work on my character and performance. They made me aware of myself as an actor.
Politicians are dividing us based on caste lines.
If you start worrying about risks, you might as well stay inside the womb.
My job is to be sincere to my script. I am passionate about what I do.
Directors are the fulcrum of the movie. They guide us well, not merely rein actors in. Whenever we stray, they bring us back on track.
The story is important for any movie, for it is in the film industry, the consumer pays the money before he or she gets the product. So, the responsibility of delivering a good product is on us.
'Purampokku' was one of those rare films made just like it was narrated.
I am an artist who is ready to grab interesting roles that comes my way.
I'll give the director what he wants, but please explain the requirement. If it reaches me, then there's communication.
I'm excited and nervous about every film; once I understand the medium fully, I'll relax.
I worked as an accountant in an auditor's office, at a textile showroom, a telephone booth, and a fast-food joint while studying. My dad found it odd, but he never interfered in any of my decisions.
We are actors. We can adapt to any different look for the sake of the story and the character.
I used to hang out with a group of aspiring directors before 'Pizza' happened. We used to discuss a lot of stories all the time.
It is not that I don't want to sign films, but I don't want to accept any film coming my way.
I have to consider the amount of business that my name can do and choose my projects carefully.
Acting and directing are two separate disciplines that rarely mix.
Roles should choose an actor and not vice versa.
I will do whatever I can to become the character. I have no right to distract the audience from the mood of the film.
We have to eradicate caste.
A new character is like bringing a new human being into your life.
There's no challenge involved in any kind of role. I don't have to prove or impress anybody.
I never take credit for my movie's success. I am the face of the movie, but there are numerous unsung heroes behind the scene. From the director, cameraman and editor to the light boy, everyone knows how difficult it is to satisfy the audience.
As an actor, you need to use everything at your disposal.
I've never consciously done 'safe' commercial projects; luckily, they have done well.
Whenever I am shooting in Chennai, I spend most of my time with my wife and kids. Sometimes, I take my kids to the shooting spot, and they just love it.
If you don't see me act, my work is done. The actor must never take the character beyond the scope of the movie.
I have always felt that doing too much of homework makes the performance look plastic. I don't even watch the monitor after I finish my scene because I can't reprise it. I just go with the flow.
