Vinay Forrt: Neither is Aattam a preachy movie nor is it a women-centric one | Exclusive

Malayali audience admires Vinay Forrt due to the fact that he is capable of playing a wide range of characters and adopting any appearance for a role without hesitation. Over the course of 14 years, the actor, who made his debut with Shyamaprasad's Rithu (2009), has acted in over 52 Malayalam films.

His latest works, Aattam and Family, received huge praise from film enthusiasts at the 28th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK). While Don Palathara's Family was screened at the 52nd International Film Festival of Rotterdam in January this year, Aattam bagged the Best Malayalam Film Award at IFFK. The latter is releasing in theatres on January 5.

Vinay Forrt talks about Anand Ekarshi’s Aattam, its reception at IFFK, and his upcoming projects in an interview with OTTplay.

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How did the concept for the film Aattam come about?

I have been a part of Lokadharmi Theatre since my graduation, and we have all been friends for over 20 years. After a while, I began working in the film industry, while the others pursued other careers. I owe these friends something in return for their contributions to my development as an actor. I had this desire to be involved in a movie that would represent both our friendship and our art.

I spoke with Anand about this during a casual conversation. Within a week, he came up with a thread, and our only thought was to give each of these artists an equal amount of screen time. A producer from another movie I was working on expressed interest in financing this one, and we began the pilot shoot. The rehearsal period for the filming was 40 days.

Aattam received positive feedback at IFFK. What do you expect to happen when the movie opens in theatres?

Our main goal in the pre-production stage was to avoid making Aattam an art film that tested the viewers’ patience. We also wanted a larger audience to be drawn to the big screens in theatres so that it could be thoroughly enjoyed there. We were more confident in this work following the positive reviews shared after the film’s screening. We were also thrilled that the movie got a standing ovation at IFFK.

Neither is Aattam a preachy movie nor is it a women-centric one. The plot revolves around a group turning against an individual in an unforeseen situation. This person can now be of any gender. Workplace harassment is a subplot in this film.

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A recent look of yours during Ramachandra Boss & Co went viral, and you have also adopted a variety of looks for your films, such as Thamaasha and Somante Krithavu. Was there ever a time you doubted it?

When choosing how a character will look, the director has the final say. I have never been afraid to choose a different appearance for a role, as I prefer to be a director’s actor. In addition, I do not like going for fake looks or moustaches for any character. The Malayali audience is a perceptive group and cannot be impressed easily. I therefore enjoy trying new things that they may find interesting.

How was your experience working in the OTT space?

My films, Churuli, Malik, and Kanakam Kaamini Kalaham, were direct OTT releases. I have been getting offers for web series and original content in the digital space after these films. However, I refused to play characters that I did not find appealing. What I look for in any project that is presented to me is a strong screenplay and a well-written character. A small number of projects have also been rejected due to renumeration issues and time constraints. But I will work on one for sure if I land a role that excites me.

Any filmmakers you would like to work with?

I like Vetrimaaran’s films. There is an emotional drive in his films, such as Aadukalam and Vada Chennai. I would be delighted to play a part in his film.

Which are your upcoming films in 2024?

I have a couple films planned for the upcoming year, including Appan-fame Maju's Perumani. In 2024, there may also be a theatrical release of Don Palathara's Family. I dislike filling my year-round schedule with continuous film shoots. I make it a point to balance work and my personal life. I love this form of art and strive to give the audience my all.

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