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The first interaction sets the tone for any interview. If you are the one asking the questions, then the first question of an interview isn’t an excuse to showboat, but more about making the guest comfortable. Probably why the first thing I discussed with Prashanth, ahead of the release of the much-delayed yet much-awaited Andhagan, was about a series of social media posts he made almost a decade back. It wasn’t exactly the best phase in his career, and his films were either getting delayed, not released, or not working at the box-office. But between all of this, Prashanth used to send birthday and festive wishes to the people in his ‘friends’ list on Facebook. No prizes for guessing who found his place there by sheer luck. When it was brought to his notice that for a lost youngster, staying away from home, and at an important crossroad of his life, his wishes made a lot of difference, Prashanth says, “Thank you for sharing your story with me. It is such instances that make us feel we are doing something right in this world.”
However, over the years, this habit of being super active on social media lead to incessant trolling. But Prashanth shares that he finds the entire uproar quite funny. “Since when did wishing someone become wrong? Isn’t that a basic courtesy we can extend to each other,” reasons the actor, who is currently basking in the incessant love he is receiving from people during the promotional overdrive for Andhagan. “I will forever be grateful for all the love. I have always been blessed with this affection from my fans, and it is heartwarming to see it grow multifold over time.”
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For people unaware of the versatility of Prashanth, fondly called the Top Star, a look at his filmography might give a clear picture. The actor dabbled in multiple genres, and it was rare to see him repeat a role or a premise in his consecutive films. “The script is always the hero in my films. I have always tried to stretch the boundaries, and attempt new genres. And in many ways, my films were pioneers. Take, for instance, Shock. It was the first pure horror film fronted by a star in quite a few years. Then, Ponnar Shankar, which was shot over four years, was one of the first star-studded historicals in a really long time. Adaikalam, a very beautiful film about parenting and growing up, didn’t feature a heroine track at all. I didn’t mind going on such paths that weren’t usually taken by our stars. I can assure you that my script choices were never wrong, and my passion for cinema never waned. But there were other factors that didn’t come together,” points out Prashanth, who believes everything has finally come together for Andhagan.
Andhagan, the official remake of Sriram Raghavan’s Andhadhun, has Prashanth stepping into the shoes of Ayushmann Khurrana. As a trained pianist himself, Prashanth believes Andhagan will feel more authentic due to this facet of his skills. “Knowing how to play the piano ensured that my concentration was only on performing well. I didn’t have to think whether I was playing the piano right, because I knew I was doing it right. The real twist was to play it as someone who is blind,” says the GOAT actor, revealing that taking up such a character instilled a better appreciation for the lives lead by the visually challenged. “I have the highest regards for them, and the way they face these challenges with a smile on their faces helped me understand life a little better.”
Here’s the trailer of Andhagan
The film marks actor-filmmaker Thiagarajan’s fifth directorial venture with Prashanth. They have worked together in a horror film (Shock), a historical (Ponnar Shankar), a comedy (Aanazhagan), a vigilante film (Mambattiyaan), and now, a crime thriller/dark comedy. “What can I say except that I am blessed with a director who knows my plus points. Working under his tutelage, I learn something everyday as an actor. I’m awestruck by his ability to keep up with the latest trends and being updated about the sense and sensibilities of today’s cinema,” says Prashanth, who is quick to add that there is no special treatment because he is the director’s son. “He treats every actor with a lot of dignity. They feel nurtured by him, and he instills a sense of discipline even when making all of us comfortable. He is very humble, and doesn’t pull ranks. There is a sense of transparency in his direction style that allows people to give him constructive feedback,” says a proud Prashanth, who believes this aspect of his father makes him all the more endearing.
Happy that it was pointed out that he never hogged the spotlight in his films, which were always filled with top actors playing important roles, Prashanth ascribes it to feeling secure as an actor. “I am confident in what I do, and I know my path, and what I want to achieve. I have always supported new talents because it is important to nurture an atmosphere that will allow all of us to grow together. As an actor, I like everyone in a scene to have equal space if the script demands. It is always the movie that counts,” says a confident Prashanth, who has been winning hearts from what has been seen and known from Vijay’s GOAT so far. “It is time to give back to the fans who have stood by me through everything. Andhagan, GOAT, and whatever I am going to do next is to give fans the Prashanth they always wanted to see. The Prashanth who could dance, do a lot of stunt sequences, and of course, champion films that have intriguing subjects,” signs off the actor, but not before once again thanking yours truly for sharing my story with him. “It’s all about being there for each other, right?” Yes, it is.
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