Listening to Vijay Antony talk feels like a refreshing therapy session. His outlook on life is refreshingly distinct from that of other film stars, characterized by a simple, non-materialistic philosophy.
The acclaimed actor and composer truly embodies this philosophy. He’s often seen walking barefoot, a familiar sight to his fans. Antony openly admits to having no grand ambitions in life, and surprisingly, despite his immense success, he claims to have little understanding of the acting or music direction crafts.
“I still genuinely believe I don’t know how to act,” he confesses. “But my success comes from sheer habit. Anyone who acknowledges what they don’t know, and then commits to it sincerely, can find success.”
Indeed, he has. On September 19, his film Shakti Thirumagan will be released. This project holds special significance as it marks his 25th film as an actor, a journey that began with Naan in 2012. “It was a fantastic introduction,” he recalls, speaking of Naan. Following that, Vijay starred in films like Salim and India Pakistan, but it was Pichaikkaran (2015) that truly launched him into stardom. His portrayal of a billionaire businessman secretly living as a beggar, combined with the film’s unique concept, cemented his place in the industry. “It secured a strong position in people’s hearts. However, I didn’t quite know how to manage that success, likely because I’m the first actor in my family without any film industry connections. After that initial success, I made my share of mistakes and learned valuable lessons about what to avoid. I now feel like I’m on a fresh path,” he remarks, referencing his recent successful films, including Romeo and Maargan.
The next chapter in this journey is Shakti Thirumagan, facing its crucial box-office test this Friday. When asked what drew him most to the script, he answers, “Its director, Arun Prabu. I deeply admired his previous films, Vaazhl and Aruvi. I was committed to the project even before he shared the storyline.” The film’s trailer hints at a protagonist with morally ambiguous traits, using terms like ‘hustler,’ ‘trickster,’ and ‘gangster’ prominently when Vijay Antony is shown. “Yes, he possesses many shades, just like all human beings do. Just like you and me,” he affirms.
Realistic Goals
Vijay Antony first made his mark in the 2000s as a music composer, quickly delivering popular hits such as ‘Naaka Muka’ from Kadhalil Vizhunthen and ‘Aathichudi’ from TN 07 AL 4777. He remembers his early career vividly: “I entered the industry without any real foresight. I overestimated my abilities, and seeing how the music business truly operated was incredibly overwhelming.”
In a music landscape primarily ruled by industry giants like AR Rahman and Harris Jayaraj—long before Anirudh’s emergence in 2012—Vijay Antony successfully carved out his own unique space. “I simply took on the projects that came to me, without setting overly ambitious goals,” he states. “Over the years, I’ve actually come to realize that having a rigid target isn’t necessary at all. When I hear someone talk about their specific aim, I feel a sense of relief for myself, knowing I don’t carry that kind of pressure. Of course, everyone has monthly objectives—especially financial ones—but I believe it’s more realistic to avoid setting other strenuous life goals. I strongly feel that if you burden yourself with stressful targets, you risk losing appreciation for what you already possess, and for which you should be thankful.”
Vijay Antony appears to approach his craft, whether acting or music direction, with a distinct methodical mindset. Does this methodical approach diminish the passion behind his work? He clarifies, “Consider one of my songs, ‘Suppose Enna’ from Sukran. I composed the core tune in just about 10 minutes, but the final track you hear—complete with sound design and orchestration—involved ten days of dedicated effort. For most of my endeavors, it’s responsibility and the structured process that motivate me, rather than pure passion. I genuinely prioritize responsibility over being passionate.”
Currently, Vijay’s primary focus is to ensure his milestone 25th film, Shakti Thirumagan, generates significant anticipation. Beyond acting, he’s also heavily involved in production, supporting projects such as Lawyer and Pookie. However, the news that truly excites him—and many Tamil cinema fans—is his reunion with Pichaikkaran director Sasi for a new film titled Nooru Saami. “I recall being deeply moved and breaking down when Sasi narrated the story of Pichaikkaran,” he shares. “Similarly, when I listened to the two-hour narration for Nooru Saami, I found myself in tears at least 15 times. It’s a story rich with emotions and profound values. Much like Pichaikkaran, this new project also explores the powerful bond between a mother and her son.”