Actor Vijay Deverakonda discusses his new film ‘Family Star’, opens up on what has mellowed him in recent times, learnings from ‘Liger’ and the business of cinema.
On a balmy summer afternoon, with barely three days to go before the release of his new Telugu film Family Star, Vijay Deverakonda is a picture of calm. In a conversation with The Hindu at the film’s production office in Hyderabad, he reveals that at least 50 people known to the producer, the director and his own family members have watched the film, and there is an air of cheer and confidence. He has watched only the first half and his focus is now solely on promoting the film.
One of the first video promos of Family Star summed up the essence of Vijay’s character, a combination of a family man and a star who flexes his muscles. The initial title in consideration, however, was different. “The original title was the hero’s name, Govardhan. In real life, this is my father’s name. In the film, the grandfather passes on this name to my character and believes that the boy can shoulder the family responsibilities,” says Vijay. Once the film went on floors, the team wanted a title representing someone in each family who makes everyone feel secure. “Every family has a star. We wanted a title that would resonate with everyone through that characterisation.”
Middle class memories
Family Star is billed as a film set in a middle-class milieu. Having grown up in a middle-class setting, did Vijay rely on his muscle memory of real-life observations to play the character with added familiarity and authenticity? “Certainly. Bujji (Parasuram) and I know how boys from middle-class families behave in certain situations. In college, if I liked a girl, I would appear cool and confident and not disclose that I didn’t have enough money. But ultimately, my budget will restrict me.”
Vijay points out that the film is not a close-to-reality depiction of a middle-class man’s journey. “This is a mainstream Telugu holiday entertainer. The way my character reacts to a conflict point is over the top and extreme, yet, it reflects how middle-class people can get upset. Govardhan’s extreme reaction makes the film entertaining.”
Family Star went through several changes during its making and Vijay points out that it has helped the betterment of the film. However, there have been cases when changes have not helped certain films. He reckons that as an actor, he knows instinctively if things are on track or off the mark. “Several ideas come up as a film is being made and sometimes, new ideas help improve a film. Sometimes we know there is a problem that needs to be fixed.”
He points out that a film is ultimately shaped by a team — the producer, director, lead actors, cameraman, music director, editors, co-stars, and assistant directors. “All their opinions begin to affect you in some way. There are times when my gut instinct may not match others’ opinions.”
The self-restraining phase
Arjun Reddy was another exercise of Vijay trusting his gut instinct. “Sandeep (Reddy Vanga) narrated the story to several producers but no one was keen to take it up. We both believed in the film and Sandeep self funded it.”
On the contrary, there have been times when Vijay would think something was amiss but others had a different opinion. “Then, you start believing in it since you have put in so much effort. I dislike it when my gut instinct is being swayed by what others say.”
Leave feedback about this