Ahead of Velaiyilla Pattathari 2‘s release, Soundarya Rajinikanth held a conference with the media at her plush office in Alwarpet. On the wall was VIP 2‘s story-board. Nearly 100 stills of the film were pinned on the board, each labelled with a telling caption: ‘Happiness’, ‘Melancholy’, ‘Panache’.
Soundarya was strict about beginning things on time.
VIP 2, Soundarya said, was borne out of a failed project.
“I was working on a couple of scripts, especially one called Nilavuku En Mel Ennadi Kombam. I had put out a casting call on social media, but for some reason, I couldn’t get the right cast. I think every project finds its way. Around that time, we were just initiating the topic of VIP2. And then I realised VIP2 had to happen, and it found me,” she explained.
Her first stint as a director was for Kochadaiiyaan in 2014, a live-action motion capture film. Soundarya called herself ‘blessed’ for having worked with her father on her first-ever film. But at the same time, she admitted to its failings.
“That technology was very new. Indian audience are still under the belief that animation refers to cartoons, while in reality, it’s more than that. I wanted to break away from animation, and felt live-action would be better. I’ve enjoyed both mediums very much. They’re two different worlds though.”
Shooting live with real actors was a different experience, she said.
“When working live, with actual actors, the director’s role is based on vision. Just that the medium is different. Here, I’ve worked with seniors like Dhanush, Kajol, Samuthirakani, Vivek – I’ve learnt a lot from them, too. I must thank them for giving me a free hand, for accepting me as their director.”
While Soundarya called VIP 2 a franchise, she emphasized the differences between the two movies. “A lot has been left out from the first, and a lot retained too. The film is the next phase in Raghuvaran’s life, his marriage, and how he has probably grown over the years.”
“Part one had a story that a common man could relate with. Bearing that in mind, we went ahead with part two. Dhanush’s contribution was integral to part one, and hence we managed to retain a few elements of that film in the sequel – the father-son relationship, the friends, the Labrador… Otherwise, the world of Vasundhara was freshly created by me. This film’s climax would be something people wouldn’t expect.”
Clearly, Vasundhara was one character that Soundarya was immensely proud of, and also, fiercely protective of.
“Kajol isn’t essaying a negative role. She’s a powerful, confident woman and she engages in a clash between an equally headstrong male character like Raghuvaran. He doesn’t do anything to insult her just because she’s a woman. So without any chauvinism, I try to convey the relationship dynamics and ideologies.”
Soundarya also vouched for the fact that at no point would the male lead put down the other lead just because she’s a woman.
“The hero himself speaks very highly of women. I think that way, VIP2 will show how equal in footing each character is, because we have a woman who is so confident and doesn’t give in, and stands strong,” she said.
What’s more? Kajol has dialogues and monologues as much as Dhanush.
“From the first day, we were very particular that Kajol has to play Vasundhara. Only after we convinced her, did she get on board. This is not like the male vs female dynamic portrayed in Padayappa or Mannan. In this film, we’ve given a lot of importance to women. Dhanush has a monologue, and you’ll find Kajol has an equally long monologue. It was difficult for her since she doesn’t know Tamil, but it’ll definitely move you.”
On being a director, particularly of her standing, Soundarya declared that doesn’t really understand why it was expected of her to make a female-oriented film.
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“In fact, VIP 2 is a commercial film and not every female director has to do that. Whether it’s female or male, the story and the chemistry between the actors are what that matter. Earlier, women were in the costume department, but now we slowly have them as directors. It’s a feat. I also maintain a balance in the male-female ratio in my team. I made a conscious decision to have many girls as my assistant directors, and I definitely see them as directors some day,” she added.
When asked about her plans for the future, Soundarya said: “Right now, I don’t know what I’d do next. Let’s see. There is definitely a VIP3 and VIP4. And if I get the opportunity to direct the third film, I would.”
VIP2 is scheduled to release on July 28, starring Dhanush, Kajol, Amala Paul, Samuthirakani, Vivek, and Saranya Ponvannan.