Vinay pathak | He shot to fame for his role in Khosla Ka Ghosla and went on to do films like Bheja Fry and Dasvidaniya. He speaks with Shalini Saksena about his recent releases and tells that the script is the most important thing for him
What attracted you to Axone?
The writer-director Nicholas Kharkongor of this film is an old friend. I couldn’t be a part of his directorial debut Mantra. Every time we would meet, I would pull his leg and tell him that the least he could do was give me a cameo in that film. When he wrote this, he told me he had written a story on North-east people and had a walk-in role and now I couldn’t complain that he had not given me a role. He sent the script across and it blew me away as it was well-written. Initially, I thought I would be doing it for my friend but it was the other way round.
Was it worth doing this walk-in character?
Of course. It goes without saying that it was. It is important to support films like these. If we don’t then we don’t consider cinema as a powerful medium because it is about creating awareness. Even if we can get five people to think twice, the work is done. On top of it, the film is entertaining and funny.
Do you think that a movie on this subject was waiting to be told?
Absolutely. On one hand we portray ourselves to be global and being aware and evolving. On the other hand, there is so much discrepancy. Not talking about a particular aspect or subject is not going to take it away. We talk of an ideal society and world and are proud of our culture and heritage. But there are so many adversaries that we need to address and be ready for that change.
Another movie of yours released recently — Chintu Ka Birthday? How did you come on board for the film?
I met Satyanshu (Singh) and Devanshu (Kumar) the writer-directors for the first time and they loosely narrated the film.
I instantly fell in love with it. It is such a beautiful film and said yes. It was easy for me to reach the film but difficult for them to make it.
How much would people relate to Madan Tiwari?
Very much. He is such an endearing character. I see Madan Tiwari and the writer-director. Where I come from, I have seen and grown up with people who are all about goodness. I think it is very relatable. Also, the character is set in real space and topical as well.
Usually such films have few takers. Does it make sense that a select few see it?
I wouldn’t say that such films are watched only by a select few. Both Axone and Chintu Ka Birthday, released on the OTT platform on two consecutive Fridays, have been watched by hundreds of thousands and accessed by them in the right way. I have done small indie films all my life since I like the space.
What is the attraction of doing a project for an OTT platform?
I never do a job for a platform. It is always the script for me. There is no complication or mystery here. If I like the story and the way it has been written I take it up. I feel that a well-written script will seldom have a weak character.
Do you think your image as a comic actor makes filmmakers offer you certain kind of roles?
I would say yes, if I had not got to do varied characters. In my career I have done all kinds of roles, I have played negative characters, I have done light-hearted roles, I have done serious dramas. I have done comedy and if people associate me with that, I shouldn’t be complaining here.
What is the best thing that you like about your profession?
To be able to tell different stories. I love listening to stories, watching them and reading them. If I get an opportunity to tell a story, there is nothing greater than that.
