Actor Prashanth Interview: On why Andhagan is not a remake, re-releasing Jeans, and films as entertainment | EXCLUSIVE

This conversation with actor Prashanth started off with a friendly banter and me confessing to him how much I love his 1998 film Jeans, so much so that I assume I am speaking to the identical twins from the film, Vishwanthan and Ramamoorthy, rather than the actor himself. As I say this, he asks:

“So, are you now talking to Vishwanthan and Ramamoorthy?” assuming the tone of his character from the film as he recreates the guessing game scene from Jeans.

“Vishwanathan, I assume,” I say to maintain the main character's energy, as Prashanth quickly replies, “Illanga, anna velila irukar, na Ramamoorthy (ah no, brother has gone out and I am Ramamoorthy),” in his casual demeanor.

Actor Prashanth Interview for Andhagan

The actor who is expecting the release of Andhagan on August 9, is busy promoting the film, as we go back to the time, precisely 34 years back when Prashanth first faced the camera in the 1990 film Vaigasi Poranthachu. The actor who has always been candid on how shy he was to see himself on the big screens, says, “I was indeed shy, it was a huge screen and that was a “oh my god” moment.”

As I ask how has it changed now as he faced the camera in Andhagan, Prashanth says, “Well, on a funny note, I would say the only thing that has changed is from films we now shoot digitally. But apart from that, the sense and sensibilities have changed. Audiences have changed and you need to keep adapting to it, which is what I am trying to do as well.”

Prashanth recalls the first shot he did for Andhagan, which is directed by his father and actor Thiagarajan. “I was walking up a staircase and going up higher and higher, to meet the God at his home shrine.”

Also read: Andhagan trailer out: Prashanth’s Andhadhun remake to see daylight soon 

The actor who believes that films are primarily for entertainment purposes and not the ones to be preachy, gives a reason on why so, “As an audience you come to theatres to get entertained. And if that is not there, there is no point in making movies. For me, films have to entertain fans and that is definitely the key aspect in the decision I make.”

Prashanth notes that audiences are changing and every filmmaker would love to make films adhering to their tastes. On noting the recent trends in films where sometimes stories get away with songs and comedy tracks, “Sometimes you also have pathbreaking movies where you say that audience you can also have these kinds of films. In total, any kind of film that will attract the sensibility while entertaining. That kind of films always win and we can never box the pattern.”

Speaking about Andhagan, which is based on the Hindi film Andhadhun, Prashanth says, “I would not say a remake, but a re-made film. It is totally a new film and visually a larger-than-life picture made as a wholesome entertainer for Tamil audience. It has got value in terms of star cast and people enjoy watching them onscreen. You are not going to watch the shades of any other film, but as a pure fresh Tamil film.”

Re-release of Jeans 

A conversation with Prashanth never ends without the mention of Jeans, as the film completes 26 years since its release. “It is an iconic film and a film that every movie lover has on their top 10 lists. So many grew up watching the film, and in fact, it stood out as the first pan-Indian movie in its true sense, and was released in all languages across India. It has everything you ask for, visual splendor, directorship, creativity and performances. I am very blessed to be part of the project,” Prashanth says as he notes how many fans he garnered through this film.

Also read: 26 years of Jeans: Here is why you should revisit Prashanth and Aishwarya Rai's movie | Stream it here 

Prashanth also shares how along with Jeans, they are planning to re-release many films of his like Majnu.

Jeans can be streamed on Aha Tamil and OTTplay Premium.