Vettaiyan director keen on making prequel to film with Rajinikanth
Director TJ Gnanavel is happy with the positive response to his latest film, Vettaiyan, and has expressed his desire to work with Rajinikanth again.
Superstar Rajinikanth’s latest release has made more than ₹250 crore at the box office. Now, Vettaiyan director TJ Gnanavel has revealed that he wants to make a prequel to this film. Also read: Vettaiyan box office collection day 6: Rajinikanth's action-drama sees further drop; earns ₹114.60 crore in India
TJ Gnanavel reveals
In a media interaction, he stated, “I'm more interested in exploring a prequel. Vettaiyan: The Hunter could delve into Athiyan's journey, revealing how he became an encounter specialist, Fahadh Faasil's transformation into a thief and police informant, and other aspects of the story's backstory.”
The director also went on to add that encounter killings had always affected him when he read about them in the news.
Gnanavel said, “It made me question the reality of these encounters – were they truly justified, or were they fabricated? The climax (in Vettaiyan) highlights this very question, where we see the supposed encounter of red sandalwood smugglers turn out to be a tragic case of tree cutters. My research revealed that the poor are often victims of such encounters, while the wealthy escape justice. The film also touches upon the issue of education system flaws. I believe in the power of the Constitution and the judicial process, and the film reflects that belief. While I couldn't avoid action sequences with Rajinikanth, I ensured that they remained integral to the narrative.”
On working with Rajinikanth
When asked how he decided to work with superstar Rajinikanth after Jai Bhim, the director revealed that Rajini’s daughter had reached out to him asking if there were any suitable scripts for her father.
“It was a surprise, but he understood my style and gave me complete creative freedom to blend my vision with his expectations. I knew that while Jai Bhim resonated with a specific audience, I needed to cater to the broader expectations of a Rajinikanth film. We aimed for a balanced approach, incorporating 50% entertainment and 50% social commentary. I couldn't compromise on either aspect,” said Gnanavel happily.
The Jai Bhim director said he was grateful for the positive response to Vettaiyan across the country. “I hope that it has sparked meaningful conversations about the issues it raises,” signed off TJ Gnanavel.
About Vettaiyan
Vettaiyan is based on an investigation of serial killings. Rajinikanth essays the role of the officer chosen to catch the criminal. The perpetrator is shown as a mastermind who commits crimes against women. Amitabh Bachchan is seen in the role of a court judge named Sathyadev. The film showcases the clash in their ideologies for law enforcement and police encounters. The Tamil film was released on October 10.