Chiyaan Vikram on ‘Becoming’ Thangalaan: ‘A Director Friend Told Me, I Can’t See You Acting’ | Exclusive – News18

Vikram's Thangalaan will release in Hindi on September 6 in theatres across the North of India.

Vikram’s Thangalaan will release in Hindi on September 6 in theatres across the North of India.

Thangalaan, directed by Ranjith, is set against the backdrop of the Kolar Gold Fields (KGF), with Vikram portraying a character and adopting an appearance unlike anything he’s done before.

Chiyaan Vikram delivering hits has now become the norm, both for his fans and critics alike. This time, the actor is back with a bang, marking his 61st film with Thangalaan in collaboration with director Pa Ranjith. The film has already made a remarkable impact, joining the Rs 100 crore club just from its collections in South India. Set to release in Hindi across North India on September 6, Thangalaan is expected to replicate its box office success in these regions as well.

Thangalaan, directed by Ranjith, is set against the backdrop of the Kolar Gold Fields (KGF), with Vikram portraying a character and adopting an appearance unlike anything he’s done before. In an exclusive interview with News18, Vikram discussed his experience and the transformation he underwent for the role. “I think this is the most immersive experience I’ve had. Films like Sethu, Pithamagan, I, and Aparichit were intense too, but with this one, I felt I delved even deeper into myself. I found my truest, rawest form. We all have that in us, and as an actor, trying to discover that part of me was very enchanting in so many ways because I didn’t know I could do it. I’m from a boarding school background, where it’s all about eating with chopsticks,” he shared with a laugh.

He continued, “Suddenly, here I am, being the most guttural and raw. Everything was pure instinct. A director friend pointed out, ‘I don’t think you acted. I think you drew from your inner resources because I can’t see you acting.’ That’s exactly what I felt happened. It was as if things from past memories or even genetic coding came out. It was seamless for me. Ranjith was always there to guide me, but in every scene, all I had to do was be who I am naturally. I became Thangalaan. It’s very rare for that to happen. It’s happened to me before with David. I have to thank Ranjith for creating this opportunity. There’s nothing more beautiful and challenging for an actor than to do something like this. It’s the most beautiful experience I’ve ever had as an actor.”

Thangalaan, Vikram’s highly anticipated film, released in theatres worldwide on August 15. Directed by Pa Ranjith, the film also stars Malavika Mohanan, Parvathy Thiruvothu, and Daniel Caltagirone in lead roles. Produced by KE Gnanavel Raja under the banner of Studio Green and Neelam Productions, the film had a massive opening, earning Rs 13.3 crore at the box office. It is set to release in Maharashtra and other North Indian states on September 6, 2024.