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 He
may have entered the acting scene in the shadow of his famous
cousin Vijay. And with his strong resemblance to Vijay,
Vikraanth, in his earlier films, was passed off as a
Vijay-clone. But with his new release 'Ninaithu Ninaithu
Parthein', the actor has struck his own individual style and has
finally come out of his cousin's shadow. Excerpts from a chat
with the hero.
The Vijay connection, has it been an
advantage or a disadvantage to you?
An advantage, surely. It was an easier way to
reach the audience. The audience initially took to me as Vijay's
brother and the curiosity factor was also there. There were
fairly long gaps between the release of my films. I would have
been out of their memory, but the Vijay-connection made sure
that I was not forgotten... I'm proud to be a superstar's
brother.
 Bu
with your looks and your demeanour being so similar to his,
surely you lose out on your individuality?
I can't help about my looks. But I can surely
bring in variations in my performance and the type of roles I
do. Like I can try to do characters which he couldn't or hasn't
done. Vijay has an image and confines to a certain formula. But
I don't have to worry about that. I can do a lot of
experimentation on my look and roles and do the type of scripts
and characters he doesn't do.
 It
did seem in 'Ninathu...' that you have tried to be different.
Was it a conscious move?
Yes. It was a deliberate move. This time I
was clear that I would play the character in a certain way,
different from my earlier performances, which people said were
very Vijay-like. I tried to be consciously different and the
director too helped me a lot. In future too I'll keep this
factor in mind.
 What
do you feel is your strength and weakness as an actor?
I've not yet got to that stage where I could
realise my plus and minuses. I've not done that many variations
in roles or explored my full potential. So I'm still to be aware
of it. So, for now, I'll keep experimenting with roles, and then
realise what roles suit me better and what my strength and
weaknesses as an actor are.
Has Vijay given you any tips on your
career?
He has always told me one thing. That once I
choose a script, I should do full justice to it. Else don't
attempt it, is his advise. After my first film 'Karka
Kasadara', he told me "You will definitely make it one
day!". He likes my confidence and determination. After 'Ninaithu...'
too, he complimented me on my work, and told me the pros and
cons.
 Have
you signed any new projects?
I'm going through the scripts coming my way.
My immediate project is 'Uthama Puthran' with director
Pushpavasagan who's directed the Surya-starrer 'Shri'. It's a
total commercial entertainer. I'm tryng to choose scripts that
are a little unusual, and balance it with totally commercial
projects.
Finally, who is the most supportive factor
in your career?
Only my mom, no one else! There is no one
else to give me the support and confidence except her.
Malini Mannath
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