Saturday, January 26, 2008
Vikram, born in 1966 in a small place called Paramakudi, in Ramnad district, Tamilnadu is versatility personified. His original name is said to be John Kennedy and affectionately called as Kenny by his close folks. He did his schooling in Mount Fort School, Yercaud. Acting was his passion from his school days. That very passion for acting might have been the base for his versatility in acting. Vikram was not one among the few whom success crowned readily. He had to work his way through to bag a good movie and prove himself.Vikram's initial movies did not produce him to the world as a successful star. It was a long and tiresome wait. But this did not deter him from pursuing his passion for movies. He got himself equipped for his chosen career by attending dance classes and opting to act out different characters amidst a small group of friends. His patience was well paid off when his movie 'Sethu' went for a soaring victory crowing the glory of both Vikram and the director Bala. Each and every frame of 'Seth' speaks of his dedication and hard work. Vikram is now affectionately addressed as 'Chiyaan' by his fans after the name of his character in 'Sethu'.
It is a glorious period of victory for Vikram as he ventures into different roles switching between commercial as well as heavy roles. This keeps him away form getting into particular groove of image. His hunger for playing different role is that which enables him to choose demanding roles. His strenuous efforts for the efficient portrayal of his characters find expressions in all his performances. Playing the role of a blind singer in the movie 'Kaasi', the character is presented very naturally. It is said that Vikram got himself involved by strenuously taking his eyeballs up thereby presenting the character like that of a natural blind man. This later is said to have resulted in blurredness in his vision for some days after the movie was completed.
The movie Pithamagan fetched him the National award for his stupendous performance as an uncivilized, mute gravedigger with dirty coloured teeth and discoloured, shabby hair. He has also won the Filmfare award(2005) for his splendid performance in Aniyan.Vikram is extremely cautious about all the aspects that went into the presentation of a character like the built of his body and his make up etc. This formula is followed in all his movies with heavy homework from his side with regards to his role. Anniyan is yet another feather in his cap where he has excelled in portraying three totally different persona. It is a must watch movie that sets one to decide about the absence of a second person to present the characters effeciently like him. His versatility is at its best with the deft he has played the roles in the movie directed by Shanker. 'Gemini', 'Dhil', 'Dhool' and 'Sammy' are commercial blockbusters that set him on the commercial track with ease as well.
Not only skilled in handling his roles, he is an adept in handling his fame as well from not creeping into his personality to mar his down to earth nature. His simplicity finds expression in his love for children, his favourite food, Pazaya saadham(porridge) and karuvaattu kuzumbu(dried fish) and his liking to fit himself into a dirty pair of jeans, T shirt and Hawaii slippers. His performance is capable of drawing a person not interested in watching films to the portals of the theatre. A Tamil movie watcher can always expect something different in the story as well as a different Vikram in all his movies. His yet to release movie 'Bheema' is sure to satisfy the above criterion and all his yet to be made commitments as well.
