Director Shankar Exclusive Interview on INDIAN 2, Corruption and Cinema's Impact
What was the point when you thought ‘Indian 2’ was necessary?
After "Indian," I saw "Jeans" and "Mudhalvan" among other films. Whenever I was considering a potential movie project, I would constantly peruse newspaper articles regarding corruption and bribes. And I think of indian Thatha, also known as Senapathy. Then I used to wonder, what if he showed up right now? However, I never received a proper story. Every film is followed by the same procedure. These many years passed before a narrative about Senapathy was formed.
How do you intend to break the preconceived notions about ‘Indian 2’ and vigilante films?
I could not shake the feeling that we ought to bring Senapathy back, although everything about him is known. I then began to consider what I ought not to do. That enabled us to focus on the novel components. It is an all-Indian idea. That has the potential to affect the entire nation. The entire nation ought to hear this message.
Corruption is a theme that is explored in your movies and other films as well. With corruption being the central theme in ‘Indian 2’, how did you approach the screenplay?
Corruption is a theme that is explored in your movies and other films as well. With corruption being the central theme in ‘Indian 2’, how did you approach the screenplay?
It was really challenging. What distinguishes "Indian 2" is its pan-Indian philosophy. It hasn't been mentioned in any other movie up to this point, I can state with confidence. However, I am well aware of what other people do. I keep an eye out for films that are comparable to the genre I'm developing. Since we ought not to do it again. I focus especially on this. I have a creative side that helps me get past these obstacles and finish the movie.
Do you continue to scale a film on massive budgets? Has it affected your creativity?
It isn't about outperforming consecutive films. It has to do with what thrills me. If a movie is successful, then more opportunities arise. Things that are novel to indian film can be shown. The movie is made when the story and financial elements come together. As you can see, "Indian 2" has a smaller budget than "2.0." I didn't believe that "2.0" should be the scope of my next movie. "Indian 2" is a big-budget movie as well. It isn't as large as "2.0," though. I have more financially supported articles. However, this was a tale that had to be shared. That served as my motivation for creating "Indian 2."
Do you feel songs are still important in changing times despite it being one of your trademarks?
I don't put boundaries on myself. Take Rajinikanth's "2.0," for example; songs weren't necessary. Thus, I didn't include them. Yet "Indian 2" requires it.
Was it a conscious choice to do ‘Indian 3’ or expand it into a franchise?
No, that was not the thought, and in my opinion, it never should be. "Indian" has a vast plot and a large cast of characters. The cast was a group effort. While "Indian 2" will travel to other nations, that was set in tamil Nadu. It became a big story, of course. It took me two and a half hours to concise it. I didn't want the movie to become lifeless. In "Indian 2," I could simultaneously watch two tales with distinct storylines. Thus, it changed to become "Indian 3."
There’s a chatter about Senapathy’s age and people are coming in with a preconceived notion. How do you see the trend of cancel culture?
It is beyond our control. When I started on Part 1, I had no idea that there would be a Part 2. In the movie, during an investigative sequence, I had to give Senapathy's knowledge. I had to accept his age as a result. It never occurred to me to do a sequel. Thus, fans are currently talking about it a lot. I have two or three possible responses to this.
He is a grandmaster in varmam, to start. Lu Zijian, a 118-year-old Chinese martial artist, once lived. people said that he could fly through the air when fighting back then. Senapathy is a grandmaster in the same way. Their devotion to yoga and discipline unites them both. Age doesn't matter to individuals who are like them. Superman and james bond are both superheroes and need to be viewed as such.
I gave it a lot of consideration before the complaints arrived, seeing Senapathy as an elderly vigilante. It was hardly a cause for celebration. Senapathy is a symbol of all of you and is well-known for his rage. His rage represents indifference, and if we make him appear weak, it prevents others from having an influence. Consider him to be really elderly.