Director Ezhil interview: On completing 25 years in films, working with Ajith and Vijay-OxBig News Network

Director Ezhil is synonymous with comedy.

Try watching his Tamil film Vellainu VandhuttaVellakaran (2016), starring Vishnu Vishal and comedian Soori, and you’ll probably be LOL-ing all the time. It is a streak that started in 2000 when he teamed up with comedian Vivekh and Prabhu Deva for his sophomore effort, Pennin Manadhai Thotu.

But this is not to say that he is only into comedy; in fact, his debut film, 1999’s Thullatha Manamum Thullum had Vijay and Simran starring in an emotional film.

Twenty-five years later, Ezhil gears up for the release of Desingu Raja 2 this week. The filmmaker promises that there will be a little of both these emotions and humour in his project. “It revolves around three college friends who are forced to part following an unsavoury incident. They meet up after many years,” says Ezhil, giving us a glimpse into the storyline of the film, which stars Vemal, Jana, Pujita Ponnada and Harsitha Bandlamuri in lead roles.

Ezhil is quick to clarify that Desingu Raja 2 has nothing to do with his previous effort, Desingu Raja (2013). “When Vemal was cast in the lead role in this project, the producer requested the title, and I accepted. The similarities end there.”

Tamil director Ezhil
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Ezhil’s cinematic worlds are usually set in towns and villages, with rural entertainers being his forte. “Making someone laugh is the most difficult thing in this world. But the truth is that producers who have roped me in request these kind of subjects,” says Ezhil, who grew up watching comedians Chandrababu and Nagesh on the big screen. Among his favourites are Kadhalika Neramillai and Neer Kumuzhi.

With 25 years of experience, including films with actors Vijay and Ajith, Ezhil has witnessed the tides of change in Tamil cinema. “In the Nineties, changes seemed to happen at a slow pace. Buying a cycle or a cellphone was a huge event. Today, changes are instant and happen in a jiffy. I feel that the current generation has great, simple taste, but they are always in a hurry to discover new things,” he explains, “As filmmakers, it is important that we adapt to this pace.”

Working with Vijay and Ajith in films like Thullatha Manamum Thullum and Poovellam Un Vaasam respectively has given him several fond memories. “They (Ajith and Vijay) are both genial people. When they do action sequences, there is a certain magic that easily clicks with audiences.”

Up next for Ezhil are two options. “I have a horror-comedy subject up my sleeve,” he reveals, “There’s also another biggie I’ve written, which requires a budget of Rs 75-80 crores, for which I’m scouting for appropriate actors. I’m also ready to explore web-series or other feature offers.”