Director Gautham Vasudev Menon is set to make his debut in Malayalam cinema with the film Dominic and the Ladies’ Purse, featuring Mammootty, which is scheduled for release on January 23. He expresses anticipation regarding the audience's response to the film. Having established his career in Tamil cinema, Menon has experienced both successes and failures, and he candidly discusses his experiences within Kollywood. One of his long-cherished projects, Dhruva Nachathiram, originally intended to feature Suriya but now stars Vikram, has faced delays due to a range of legal and financial complications.

In recent discussions, he has addressed several topics, including the lack of support from individuals in the Tamil film industry. Is the director feeling disheartened by the Tamil film industry at this juncture?

On Dhruva Nachathiram

Regarding Dhruva Nachathiram, Menon remarked, "I do not experience disappointment in this matter. My intention is not to leave home with a predetermined agenda to discuss specific issues. I consider myself a straightforward individual, and I do not speak ill of anyone; I simply express my thoughts. My aim was not to highlight any particular point, but when inquiries arose about my projects and the challenges I encountered, I addressed them. In that context, I mentioned Dhruva Nachathiram, which is well-known to be completed but not yet released. At the time when Suriya was attached to the project, I was the producer, and we had provided him with an advance."

The director further explained, "Our conversations consistently focused on the film's content; we could have relied on one another and proceeded with the project. However, he ultimately chose not to. When Vikram joined the project, I was no longer the producer; Vikram selected P Madan to take on that role, and I later became involved to help resolve the film's issues. The belief that I am the producer and that this is the reason for the film's delay is incorrect—had Suriya remained involved, the project would still be facing the same challenges."

Regarding the reluctance of certain Tamil actors to collaborate with him and whether this influenced his transition to Malayalam cinema, Gautham states, "I do not categorize films into Tamil, Malayalam, or Telugu. My focus is on the story and whether it aligns with a specific actor, regardless of the industry. I perceive it simply as filmmaking; it is only in business contexts that distinctions arise between these regional cinemas. I have no limitations in this regard. Upon hearing the story of Dominic, I was immediately drawn to it and envisioned Mammootty for the role, to which he agreed. I am optimistic that many will view the film due to its extensive release. Malayalam actors are also increasingly interested in diverse content and its potential appeal. For example, Mammootty has recently participated in films such as Kaathal, Brahmayugam, and Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam. I believe that Tamil cinema heroes may be less inclined to accept such subjects. However, I harbor no resentment or regret towards Tamil cinema; I remain eager to engage in more Tamil film projects."

On equation with Suriya

On his relationship with Suriya, he acknowledges his genuine disappointment regarding Suriya's rejection of Dhruva Nachathiram in a recent video interview, stating, "Indeed, I was upset! Suriya is someone with whom I have collaborated on two films—Kaakha Kaakha and Vaaranam Aayiram. We invested considerable effort into these projects, engaging in extensive discussions and teamwork. Vaaranam Aayiram, in particular, was a coming-of-age narrative filled with profound emotion, and it resonated deeply. Suriya chose that film because he had faith in both me and himself. Therefore, my disappointment stemmed from the feeling that he did not extend that same trust to me with Dhruva Nachathiram, which I believed would be successful."

He is quick to emphasize that he and Suriya collaborated in 2021 for the Guitar Kambi Mele Nindru episode of the Navarasa series on Netflix. Will they join forces again in the near future? “Cinema tends to create such opportunities, and life facilitates them as well. Therefore, there is no sentiment of ‘I don’t want to work with him’ or anything similar. Considering the limited number of heroes available, I certainly would not want to miss the chance to collaborate with him,” Menon asserts.

Regarding his acting abilities, Gautham Vasudev Menon’s performances are gaining recognition from audiences, leading to interest from various directors who wish to cast him. So, why does he describe himself as a ‘reluctant actor’? “I consider myself a reluctant actor. I only take on roles because other directors continue to reach out to me. I receive calls daily, and in 90% of cases, my team and I decline. I am grateful for the opportunities that arise, as they provide an avenue beyond directing and writing, and they also help sustain my livelihood. However, it is not something I eagerly anticipate. When a producer or director whom I greatly respect contacts me, I find it difficult to refuse. For example, when Santhanam reached out to me, mentioning that he had worked on Neethane Enn Ponvasantham for my benefit and requested my participation in DD Returns, I agreed without hesitation. Yet, most of the time, I remain a reluctant actor and do not look forward to appearing in films,” he explains.

On learnings in the industry

Inquire about the insights he has gained during his 25 years in Tamil cinema and what motivates him to continue, especially in light of the industry's fluctuations. The director reflects that "life goes on." He cites the film "Dominic and the Ladies Purse" as a prime example of this resilience. He recalls the challenges surrounding the release of "Dhruva Nachathiram," during which he faced numerous obstacles and experienced a creative slump. There exists a common belief that he is in a precarious position, leading others to hesitate in collaborating with him due to potential legal complications. Amidst these challenges, Mammootty, an actor he has long aspired to work with, chose the project, selected the director, and offered to produce the film. Aware of the difficulties, Mammootty expressed his confidence in the director's abilities, stating, "We trust you, and we know you will do a good job." This experience has imparted a significant lesson: life continues regardless of setbacks. He emphasizes that relentless determination ultimately prevails, acknowledging that relationships within the film industry tend to be quite superficial.

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