Actor Prashanth, once a leading figure in Tamil cinema, is attempting a comeback with Andhagan, a film directed by his father, Thiagarajan. At a recent thanksgiving event in Chennai, Prashanth reflected on the challenges and experiences of returning to the spotlight.
“This film marks a new beginning in my career,” Prashanth said. “The industry has changed dramatically since my peak in the ‘90s. Today, we’re competing not just with other films, but with OTT platforms and piracy.”
Prashanth highlighted the physical demands of his role, playing a blind pianist. “I had to relearn how to act,” he admitted. “Playing blind isn’t just about keeping your eyes still. It’s about how you move, how you react to sounds. We studied the mannerisms of visually impaired individuals to ensure authenticity.”
The actor also spoke about working alongside industry veterans. “Acting with K.S. Ravikumar and Simran was like a masterclass,” he said. “We would dissect each scene, discussing how actors from different eras might approach it. It was a journey through the history of cinema.”
Thiagarajan, wearing dual hats as director and father, spoke about the challenges of directing his son. “On set, Prashanth was just another actor,” he insisted. “We had to maintain professionalism. There were times I pushed him hard, perhaps harder than I would another actor.”
The film’s release strategy also reflected the changing industry. “We prepared a promo song with current stars like Anirudh and Vijay Sethupathi,” Prashanth revealed. “It’s not enough to make a good film anymore. You need to create buzz, especially for a comeback.”
As Andhagan continues its theatrical run, its performance may indicate whether there’s still room for ‘90s stars in today’s cinema. Prashanth remains cautiously optimistic: “The audience’s response will guide my future choices. This isn’t just a film for me; it’s a test of my relevance in the current market.”