What Ails Tamil Film’s Popular Star Vishal?

Sundar C’s Madh Gaja Raja, a project in the works for 12 long years is at last ready for release this Pongal. As if its jinxed image and optics were not enough to tarnish a good entertainer, hero Vishal attended the promo and audio launch event with high viral fever…a pitiable sight to watch his hands and voice trembling as he took the mic. MC Divya Dharshini had the presence of mind to make him sit along with Sundar, the Director and other members of the film unit. It was enough fodder for a news hungry social media and trolls to go after his reputation, and level all kinds of surmises. Vishal made his debut in 2004 with Chellamae, soon gave successive hits with Sandakozhi, Thimiru, Thaamirabharani, Malaikottai and other hits. An action hero with compelling talent and screen presence. But his aggressive and angry attitude soon came to the fore …keeping pace with his angry young man image. Tamil Film Producers Council charged big misappropriation which he stoutly denied. He took a potshot at the censor board for delay in release of his film Mark Antony. The personal life of this 47-year old star too was in turmoil, even as he acted in over 25 films. Every person has highs and lows …a film star is more vulnerable. His close friend actor Jeyam Ravi is confident that “Vishal will overcome this bad patch and get his lion-like stride back”. Till then Vishal needs empathy not brutal trolls.