PremiumDirector Vignesh Karthick Interview: If Hot Spot works out, I have ideas for a sequel
Director Vignesh Karthick, who has helmed films like Plan B, Adiye, and short films like Shamefully Yours, is back with yet another film, titled Hot Spot
Last Updated: 02.44 PM, Mar 27, 2024
Director Vignesh Karthick, who has helmed films like Plan B, Adiye, and short films like Shamefully Yours, is back with yet another film, titled Hot Spot. Ever since his short film days, the director, who is known to make films laced with pressing issues that plague society and have to be addressed, says, “It is not that I have an intention to do controversial films. In fact, my next film will be a proper love story and U-certified film. But with Hot Spot, it is about the questions and anger I have within me and my need to express it. There are a lot more chances for people to hear it if I make a film, than merely shout and talk about it.”
However, the filmmaker says that one thing he will not indulge is doing something that is not ethically incorrect. Calling Hot Spot a social drama that deals with a plethora of issues, Vignesh says though his previous films have talked about gender and societal issues, he does not want to be boxed within it. “Adiye is a different genre, and so is my next film. I want to make versatile films and don’t want to be labelled as one kind of filmmaker. For example, in Plan B, I did not want to make the film on a transman as a drama and instead took a crime thriller route, so that people get invested into it first. So, when I brought the twist, the audience could understand it. I want to discuss a lot of about what that people have not talked about much, at the same time address issues that bother me” he says.
Also read: Trailer of Vignesh Karthik’s Hot Spot out, dabbles on range of taboo topics from incest to sex
About Hot Spot
With Hot Spot, Vignesh says that the film will be told in hyperlink fashion with each segment targeted towards different sectors. The film stars Kalaiyarasan, Gouri G Kishan, Adithya Bhaskar, Sofia, Subash, Sandy, Ammu Abhirami, and Janani in the lead roles. “Kalaiyarasan’s segment will throw questions on a certain bunch of people and parents, a particular industry, whereas Gouri and Adithya’s segment is targeted towards married couples. Subash and Janani’s segment will work for 2K audience. The film will cater to a wide range of audiences,” Vignesh says.
On filmmaking style
Affirming that he believes films have the power to bring change, the filmmaker says films have taught him an understanding on life and relationships. He adds, “Cinema has taught and influenced you without even our knowledge. How many times have we seen our favourite stars and replicated their behaviour? We have styled ourselves after them, and it will create impact. But I don’t know if it will change society, but can make a small impact.”
In a surprise delight, Vignesh Karthick says that it has not been a hard process for him to convince actors to come onboard for his films, despite it talking about controversial issues. “When we did Yours Shamefully 2, we wanted to go for a different cast but we roped in Soundarya once again. After watching those films, Aishwarya called for Plan B because she had gained some trust in me. But she was sceptical if it would work, but later trusted me. Similarly, the cast of Hot Spot has seen my previous work and gained enough understanding on what type of filmmaker I am. Since I have had the cushion of my previous works, I have been lucky to get actors on board.”
Though Certified A, Vignesh Karthick confirms that Hot Spot is neither a sex comedy nor a film with double-meaning dialogues. “This film is not something that has to be watched by children. But it is a film also about children,” he mentions.
Vignesh also reveals that out of the eight stories he had, only four has made into Hot Spot, and if the film proves to be successful, he will dabble on the idea of making Hot Spot sequel. “I am a huge fan of Black Mirror and wanted to do something like that in Tamil. Let’s see, if this film works, I can work more on the budget and execution.” The filmmaker says that he measures the success of the film when it makes noise for the right season. “I hope it spreads by word of mouth, since there is no star power. The heart is in the right place, and I have no doubt that it will create more noise on the OTT platform,” he adds.
Talking about his next project, Vignesh says that it will be a pure love story but reveals that a new element will be tucked into it. It will be shot by Theni Eswar and the cast announcements will follow soon, the director concludes.