Vikram Prabhu is not even ten-films-old in Tamil cinema, but he’s already gained the reputation of a consistent performer. This actor who recently launched his production company awaits the release of Wagah this week, and has two other films in store: Veera Sivaji and Mudi Sooda Mannan . Excerpts from an interview:
The title Wagah refers to the village near the India-Pakistan border. Does the film deal with a sensitive subject?
The film is about an individual’s love for his country. It is about a village youngster who gets posted along the border. My admiration for the armed forces has grown immensely since seeing them from close quarters and understanding the extent of their sacrifice for the country. As for the script, I’ve lived with it for the last three years. Only director Kumaravelan and I know the difficulties involved in making such a film.
How do you bring in romance into a film like this? Also, are you worried about comparisons to Roja ?
Wagah is a love story in more than one sense. It shows my character being in love with a Pakistani girl, and this whole angle is well-balanced with the inherent patriotism in the film. The story shows what it is like to live around such places, and the struggle of the armed forces to keep peace.
Also, this film has no connection with Roja .
What were some of the memorable moments from shooting this film?
Well, it’s a very different role, the like of which don’t come every day. But the best part of the experience for me was seeing the magnitude of the sacrifice of the jawans. I was also surprised to see so many Tamil recruits. It’s a tough life out there for them, but they try to make it count. Their patriotism must be seen to be believed.
Imman continues to work with you right from Kumki . Is that due to sentiment or some kind of a bond you share with him?
Imman’s music is the life and soul of the plot. Army jawans have a penchant for Hindi songs, but this album of the composer would have pleased even the fastidious. He has used retro and qawali flow liberally, and I am sure the theme song of ‘Love for our Nation’ will have everyone spellbound.
The other winning factor of Wagah ?
It is the work of art director Lalgudi Ilayaraja, who had the challenge of infusing the war effect amidst romantic interludes.
That every effect of the detailing was got right by the director eased the work of Lalgudi, who played his part in the commercial entertainer. There is no message or preaching; the narration is simple to let the audience flow with the script.
What were the hardships that the film unit had to endure?
Every day, prior to the shooting, we had to get the mandatory permission. The biggest challenge was in shooting in actual locations, weathering the climatic conditions, which were bordering on the extreme.
How did you manage to shoot in sensitive regions along the border?
The key personnel in the Army were in the know regarding the storyline, paving the way for help from all quarters.
Some scenes were shot on busy roads and several vantage points near the border. The government also ensured that the schedule was uninterrupted.
Your Veera Sivaji is due for release. Why such a title with a name which would have only justified an actor of the stature of your grandfather?
I have no prerogative to decide on the titles. I play the role of a call taxi driver whose name is Sivaji. The story is on the incidents that take place during travel from Puducherry to Kanyakumari.
Yet another film of yours, Mudi Sooda Mannan, also sports a heavy look...
This one is a real-life incident experienced by director Prabhakaran. The powerful title is relevant to the story.
Are you super excited regarding the Neruppu Da take-off?
Yes. I play the role of a fire officer who is an ardent fan of Rajinikanth. Need I say more on the reason for zeroing in on the title?
