Decoding the success of ‘Bheema’: How Duniya Vijay is enjoying his new actor-director role

Working with 60 new actors, Vijay has created a world that perfectly reflects the lifestyle of people in these areas. “When you make a film in a particular environment, it is very important to portray the realities of the place,” says Vijay.

Young movie-goers, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds and the lower middle class, are Vijay’s biggest fans. The actor became a star after Vijay’s debut film ‘Dabangg’. World, The 2007 blockbuster, in which he played a stone quarry worker who struggles to build a mausoleum for his mother’s grave. Perhaps, since then, the actor’s portrayal of a marginalised man’s fight for justice has earned him a young fan base that relates to the hardships faced by his characters.

Filmmaker Suri, who launched Vijay as a star World, To explain Vijay’s journey in the film industry, take the example of a dialogue from the film. Suri says, “Just because someone is black and poor, he is not a thief or a corrupt person.” Vijay wants to tell his fans that in real life, a hero can be one of them.

In the first of both his directorial ventures, Vijay caught the attention of his fans through the extremely catchy and fun songs of Charan Raj, and even worked with singers from the Siddi community and Jenu Kurubas; his experiments were successful.

A scene from ‘Bheem’. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

This association with the marginalised community, coupled with Vijay’s vocal support of Ambedkarism, has caught the attention of industry insiders and fans. “When you talk about Ambedkar, people associate him with one community. However, Ambedkar, for me, is someone who advocated equality beyond any group. I will continue to consider Ambedkar as my role model. If you look at Ambedkar, Bheem, He said, “I don’t show the plight of the poor. In the film, children from rich families are also affected by drug addiction.”

The Tamil Connection

Many slums in Bangalore are inhabited by Tamil-speaking people who call themselves “Tamil-speaking Kannadigas”. Vijay did not fail to address this crowd on both occasions. Salga and Bheem.

In fact, Bhima,Vijay is introduced in a funeral song (‘Don’t Worry Baby Chinnamma’) sung by Tamil singer ‘Gaana’ Muthu. Gaana, born in the narrow lanes of North Chennai, is a style of music that celebrates the underprivileged’s escape from poverty. Funeral singers also incorporated this style into Tamil film music.

The death of a major character in the film is celebrated through song and dance, the hero is even seen drinking alcohol. The entire procession with these activities is a custom seen in these areas. It is their way of paying respect to the dead. Even in these areas. Salga, Tamil folk singer Anthony Daasan sang the funeral song ‘Soori Anna’,

Successful, but not perfect films

Though Vijay’s movies convey a message, they fail to present the issues prevailing in the society. Bhima An attempt has been made to paint a picture of the harmful effects of violence, drugs and alcohol on youth. But while doing so, the focus of the film is more on the harmful acts than their consequences, so much so that some scenes border on glorification.

In contrast, Suri’s films, such as Jackie (2010)And Kadipudi (2013)sees The hero, though having some of the typical qualities of a commercial cinema hero, is vulnerable and fits perfectly into the environment he comes from.

“My style of representing society comes from my learnings and mentors. I have worked with Jayant Kaikini and Surendranath, and they have shaped my thinking. My work is also influenced by what I read. Vijay will also learn; he has just made his second film,” says Suri.

Vijay also defended his views Bheem.If you notice, a young boy accuses the hero of smoking and drinking and challenges him to set an example himself. This is a moment of realisation for the hero, which prompts him to give up his addiction. Also, some of my choices are driven by the demands of commercial cinema. A ‘mass’ crime thriller is like serving the same dish to so many people. I have to please all of them,” he reasons.

Keeping the content aside, Suri says Bhima’s Vijay attributed the film’s success to his “hard work”. Vijay’s efforts to make the film reach a larger audience were evident in his promotional strategies.

“Whether it’s conducting interviews in the most unexpected place like a cemetery or Collaborating with actor Ganesh Vijay is extremely inventive about marketing his film, with (his contemporaries) doing video interviews talking about each other’s upcoming films,” says film critic Carram Vashi.

He said, “He prepares himself completely and decides the entire interview process himself, whether it is deciding the location or choosing the equipment. He treats it like a film shoot.” Carram said that Vijay was so smart that he took full advantage of the hype that the film generated after its release.

Sticking to a particular formula has helped Vijay make his mark as a director, but hopefully, he surprises his audience with something new to stay relevant.