Vijay Sethupathi films pile up for release - strategy revealed

 

Vijay Sethupathi has  9 films in Tamil ready for release, 2 under production . two Hindi films , one Malayalam and Telugu film under production. An anthology featuring him is releasing next week ( Feb 12). Even while writing this `Makkal Selvan’ Vijay Sethupathi (VSP) would have signed a film. Now after Ra Pa Ranasingam, VSP had no release that has him in a lead role. Master, though a Vijay film was to many a VSP film.  A source close to VSP spills the beans on the strategy.

Trade has a different take on this VSP films piling up. If one bombs, the next producer will have to do a distress sale. If that clicks, fine, otherwise? This is the way for every Star at the box office. The only difference is that the remuneration of a Star is fixed by the previous film box office. Re ason being that distributors decrease or increase the price as per BO as per last release. In case of VSP, he comes with MRP. If the film gets good business or bad, his MRP remains unchanged. This insulates the Producer from any price hike and also leaves no scope for haggling for a discount.

When it comes to cameo – extended cameo  , VSP charges a fee that is calculated as per the days he is required. If it be another language, the price  for such cameo appearance remain the same. The argument is that a Malayalam – Telugu- Hindi film will be dubbed and sold as VSP film like a straight Tamil film where he is doing a lengthy guest role. If it is villainy, in other language it does not matter that he should have anything as meaty as he had in Master. His MRP for a lead role in Tamil is applicable to villain  or any other supporting roles ( not extended cameos) in non Tamil. These producers are going to get back the money from OTT Tamil dubbed sale.

Now the query that rises is that VSP will lose his position as Makkal Selvan if he does not build up and nurture his image and instead if goes to do all that comes in his way from other languages and that reaches Tamil shores , it will only do harm. VSP signs only those Tamil films as lead actor, if it keeps his image of a performing actor and doing roles that relate to the non Metro crowds and single screen audience.  If anybody thinks that a fat advance fee is enough to get VSP to sign a straight Tamil film , then they are in for a shock. The usual reason is  - Wait for my films to release and meanwhile do a film with other talented actors and create a name for yourself.

One major attraction for VSP in doing a non- Tamil film is that there is no pressure on him to think about BO. Secondly, the payment is prompt. Thirdly,  the  working hours   on such films are less than in a Tamil film. It gives him time to recoup his energy. Moving with multiple language film industries, gets him connected to creative people with different thought process.  I am putting out a list of VSP films that are to come on screen and under production. 

Thughlak Durbar

Kadaisi Vyavasayi

Maamanithan

Labam

Yaadhum Oore Yavaarum Kelir

Kaathuvaakul rendu kadhal

Soodhu Kaavum 2

Idam Poru Eval

Annabelle Subramaniam

VetriMaaran  direction – Soori hero untitled

Uppena ( Telugu)

19(1)(A) – (Malayalam )

Mumbaikaar ( Hindi remake of Maanagaram) Director Santosh Sivan.

Gandhi Talkies ( Silent film in 8 languages  by Marathi director)

Master Tamil film remake in Hindi (director not fixed)

Anthology Navarasa releasing on Feb 12.