Vijay Sethupathi on the Prospect of Directing: 'I'm Trying To Watch Films From a Filmmaker’s POV'

Having spent 22 years establishing himself in front of the lens, Vijay Sethupathi is increasingly transparent about his interest in taking over the director’s chair one day. He’s already a producer, lyricist and screenwriter, having co-written Orange Mittai (2015). But in a candid conversation with The Hollywood Reporter India, he revealed that while the desire to direct is real, he is refusing to put pressure on it.

“I just want to direct, just to try,” Sethupathi says, talking of his directorial vision stemming from a more personal place. “I want to put my money and make a film. If it’s good, we’ll release it, or I’ll just keep it with me.”

He admits that his view of watching cinema has shifted. “When I started, I used to watch films as an actor. Now I’m trying to understand from the point of view of a director also.” He also recalls always having written short stories, tales that he still narrates to his children today, “I have told them about 10 to 15 stories… Publishing companies have asked for them, but I didn’t give it to them; I thought, let it be for my children.”

His experience with writing makes him someone who understands the flow of a story, even if he hasn’t found the right one to personally direct yet.

When asked if he has a timeline, the actor said that he is avoiding putting any deadlines on it. For him, the joy of directing comes from the lack of any pressure. “Wanting to direct is to have fun with it. Why should I spoil that by giving it a deadline?” Sethupathi is intent on this opportunity coming his way when it’s meant to, “I am fixing my own deadlines in life."

For him, the transition to directing is a gradual process. There is no genre in mind, no directorial style, only observing the craft and a refusal to turn his passion for art into a chore.

Watch the full interview with Vijay Sethupathi on The Hollywood Reporter India's YouTube channel.