'A villain's role is a challenging job'

On the sets of Police Academy, Vijayaraghavan was smeared in dust and sweat under a ruthless noon sun. Still, one saw no irritation on that face when a light boy's mistake made him do a retake or the prompt-man read out the wrong dialogue bit. Fatigue did not seem to disturb him. Also, he is not hurt by the fact that despite his entry into tinsel town in the attires of a hero, he lost the chance to remain the lead man. Seeing him perform, one won't say that lack of faculties in acting was the reason for his reversal of roles. Maybe, things in the film world are too strange. His wonderful performance in Jayaraj's nationally acclaimed 'Desadanam' is proof of this. Some directors had even tried to make this very serious actor a humour machine in their comedy creations!

Vijayaraghavan entered movies in 1983 with 'Surumayitta Kannukal'. Then luck was on the other side of the river for him. He had to wait for three years for another chance. And when he came back, it was all a changed world. The mighty stage-man who has been eating, drinking and sleeping the art called acting, suddenly found himself transformed into a villain of the celluloid. But there was no time to lament about losses. He is an actor to the core, and acting he would do. Now, he is the 'Mr Terrible' of Malayalam movies. The fire-spitting image of Fr Kaliyar in the Suresh Gopi-starrer 'Crime File' is still fresh in Malayalis' minds. The same goes for his performance as a psychopathic woman-hunter and killer in 'Napoleon' as well. Yes, he is 'The Villain' of Malayalam films. And he is not feeling sore about this. "In a sense, it suits me well because the role of a villain is challenging. The scope for acting and body language is vast. Negative roles, I feel, have no limitations."

After a hectic day's work on the sets of Police Academy, Vijayaraghavan spoke to TWNF. Here are the excerpts of the talk:

You entered the field with great promise. But then there was a kind of metamorphosis. Why do you go for roles that have no worthwhile content?

I don't fully agree with you, though I can give you a reasonable explanation. And that is true too. Acting is my profession. I can't just sit at home reading newspapers and magazines. That way nobody will come to me offering chances. I will be out of job. An actor, I think, is compelled to do various kinds of roles. My first film, 'Surumayitta Kannukal', offered no novelty in theme. It could have been the reason why it bombed in the box office. The failure must have had something to do with me too.

You began your career as a hero. But then you turned permanently into a villain. Would you be frank about this reversal of roles?

See, my coming into this world was not my choice. It was a chance, right? Likewise, (smiles) the film world is full of chances. I have already told you I am an actor. An actor is not a hero, not a villain or anything else. What is so different between the villain and the hero as far as acting is concerned? Both are doing the same thing - acting. The villain kills, the hero kills too. Except that the hero is killing for the cause of the good. In this situation, what is the advantage of being the hero as far as an actor is concerned? The role of the hero, being a straight one, has limitations. I prefer to do a character that is totally different from my actual self. An actor derives satisfaction by giving life to a character that has nothing to do with the real man. What does acting mean if I depict a character that is in tune with my normal body conditions, facial expressions, manners and nature? Won't it be nice if I do the role of a 65-year-old?

You are a stage man basically. In your opinion, which one, movies or drama, has greater possibilities?

No comparisons please. Stage and celluloid are entirely two different worlds. The stage offers emotional continuity that movies lack. Movie scenes are disconnected and do not have the emotional economy that the stage thrives on. But movies have other aspects. It can be watched closely. Even a minute glare in the eye can be projected as the purpose suits. I will say this much: Stage experience is very essential for a movie actor.

Today's Malayalam cinema is more sound than light. You can shut down the video and listen to the audio, and still you will not be effectively missing the movie. What do you say about this?

Yes, I fully agree with you. This is a pitiable situation. We Malayalis have a terrible problem. We imitate. If a particular theme or line of treatment succeeds, a procession of movies will come out following that line. 'Ramji Rao Speaking' turned to be a great hit. Then for a long time, Malayalam cinema revolved around the stories of unemployed youth.

The present philosophy that moviemakers base their films on seems to be - 'eat, drink and be merry'. The social factor seems to be missing. Don't you think this is bad?

Yes, I do think so. This philosophy has its adverse impact on today's youth. Such a thought is pushing today's youth into irresponsibility. They fail to see reality and are fast losing the sense of commitment.

Please say something about your stage life.

I have been living with plays since I was five years old. I used to act in plays when I was a student at college. I direct my father's plays year after year. Our last year's project was 'Vishamavrittam' (The Vicious Circle). The Vishwa Kerala Kala Samithi, the theatre founded by my father, is functioning in full swing. I am running a theatre to train children in dramatics near my house in Kottayam district. We arrange functions there at least twice a month. I never forget the stage. I find time for drama even with my hectic film schedule.

How do people respond to your theatre's productions these days?

It is great. But I have been noticing a difference. Actors who enact the characters that my father did once are not getting the applause he used to get. That was the essential difference in Pillayasan (Don Pillai).

Has your father's skills influenced your acting?

Of course. As his son, I have been influenced by him very much. But I have not consciously tried to imitate him.

Has your father's stature and influence as a great man of the stage in any way turned beneficial to your career?

I have never taken advantage of my position as the son of NN Pillai. But those who knew him respect me too, for the love for him. I came to the limelight accidentally. I have never hung around producers' gates begging for a chance. They used to come to me.

What according to you, is the ultimate aim of drama and movies?

Not only plays and movies but all art forms have a final responsibility, a commitment. They should strive to instill good social feelings in the conscience of the people.

Which are the characters you like the most?

I don't dislike any specific character I have done. Still, I like Cheradi Kariya, that reckless character in 'Ekalvyan'. That sort of character demands a lot of energy and ability from the actor. Also I like the character Fr Kaliyar of 'Crime File'.

Did you expect an award for your performance in Jayaraj's Desadanam?

No, I didn't. I never expect an award. I don't work with such an intention. But I will say this much. There is this question whether the award winners really do deserve it.

Do you intend to direct a movie?

I do. But it will come later, I think.

What kind of a movie it will be?

A family story. Persons in a family and society bonded by the threads of humanity.

Most artistes have role models. Do you have one?

I don't have a role model. And my belief is that no actor should have a role model. If an artiste has one, he or she will unknowingly imitate him or her in situations. No two human beings in this world can be identical. You may adopt certain methods of acting. That is all.

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