In the glittering world of Indian cinema, where the lure of the limelight often comes with a heft of expectations, Vijay Sethupathi stands as a beacon of nonchalance amidst the tumult of fame. Engaging with Pinkvilla in an exclusive dialogue, the phenomenally successful actor shared insights into his journey and the “baggage” that accompanies his status as a beloved star, which often entails a complex blend of public adulation and personal scrutiny.
Pic Courtesy/IMDB
Touted as one of Bollywood’s most awaited releases, ‘Merry Christmas’ brings together the formidable pairing of Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupathi. The versatile Kaif has long been a bedrock of the Bollywood industry, and Sethupathi, acclaimed for his South Cinema triumphs, aims to replicate his success as he rides the wave of his Bollywood debut with Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Jawan’, under the direction of Atlee. With ‘Merry Christmas’, Sethupathi is poised to further cement his position in the hearts of the audience.
Delving into how he deals with the colossal fame, Sethupathi’s method could be summed up in a single phrase: “Doing nothing.” He elaborates that it’s about being a silent observer, listening, and absorbing the world and its myriad happenings. He jests, almost with a hint of Zen-like wisdom, “Listening is the greatest form that clears everything. So I don’t do anything.”
This serene approach to stardom perhaps stems from his own unexpected ascent in the industry—from aspiring to be a serial actor, to becoming a cinematic hero, and then achieving celebrity. He remarks with poignant simplicity, “Maybe I don’t take life that serious. I’m just the flow.” This candid disclosure was met with an outpouring of applause, reflecting the crowd’s admiration for his grounded perspective.
‘Merry Christmas’ is no mere festive flick—it’s a high-octane cinematic voyage that crosses linguistic barriers, as it will be released in both Hindi and Tamil. The cast lineup is stellar. The Hindi version features actors such as Sanjay Kapoor and Vinay Pathak, while the Tamil counterpart showcases renowned talents like Radhika Sarathkumar and Rajesh Williams. Radhika Apte and Ashwini Kalsekar grace the film with special cameos, enhancing the movie’s pan-Indian appeal.
The film’s trailer promises a wild ride, commencing with romance on Christmas Eve, only to spiral into unforeseen chaos. The hallmark style of director Sriram Raghavan is evident, weaving suspense and thrill through the narrative. The spirit of Christmas is integral to the film’s thematic core, with seasonal elements like carnivals and toys playing a significant role.
Creating a buzz in the music department, ‘Merry Christmas’ will showcase the collaborative prowess of Pritam and Varun Grover—two creative maestros joining forces for the very first time. Produced by the quadrumvirate of Ramesh Taurani, Sanjay Routray, Jaya Taurani, and Kewal Garg, the movie marks the inaugural partnership between Tips Films and Matchbox Pictures. The visual storytelling is shaped by the expertise of cinematographer Madhu Neelakandan, with Pooja Ladha Surti at the helm of editing. Eyeing a grand release on January 12, 2024, the film seeks to enchant both Hindi and Tamil-speaking audiences.
In sum, ‘Merry Christmas’ is gearing up to be a cinematic gift that unwraps the drama, mystery, and celebration of the season in an entrancing package. Meanwhile, Vijay Sethupathi continues to glide through the pressures of stardom with the ease of a breeze, affirming that in the ephemeral whirlwind of celebrity, his feet remain planted firmly on the ground, unfazed by the tempest above.
