Politics really does not interest him, says actor Vijaykant. But if asked about political matters, he is forthright in his views and is quite ready to express them in his films. Continuing the interview partly published last week: 

You have given a break to many new directors.

Vijaykant: About 25 of them and I've had fifty-fifty success. When a new director approaches me, I first find out with whom he has had his apprenticeship. I listen to the way he narrates his story and the dialogue he puts in. An experienced cinematographer should also be there to support a novice. But at times a film fails. This happens with even experienced directors. If the debutant is from a film Institute, I see his diploma films. 'Kallara Pookkal' was one such film I saw recently and liked.

You've got a flag for your fans' association. Planning to join politics?

Vijaykant: Sharat and Rajini have flags for their fans' association too. It has its advantages. As for politics, I am really not interested. Only when someone asks me about political matters, I am forthright in my views and put what I feel in my films. Like, when politicians talk hypocritically about there being no permanent enemies or friends in politics. But I've never criticised any particular political party or person. Politics is a full time job. My fans association itself is a big headache, trying to solve all its problems.

Do you feel bad when they call you the B and C centre hero?

Vijaykant: I feel happy that I am accepted as the hero of the masses. My fan letters are mostly addressed to 'brother'. The common man identifies with me. Most of my films have scenes that deal with a common man's problems. My films may not have much comedy or songs.

Your latest release 'Simhasanam' was a disappointment?

Vijaykant: When it was narrated it sounded good. Women like the second half. It may not earn a huge profit like 'Vallarasu' or 'Vanatheppol'. But it will definitely not be a loss for the distributors. I try to vary my subjects, but it doesn't work out always. No one can predict a success.

Who are the directors who contributed most to your professional success?

Vijaykant: S.A. Chandrasekhar was the first. When my career was at a low ebb, he bailed me out with films like 'Sattam Oru Irruttarai'. Then R. Sunder Rajan's films were a turning point, for I was given more performance-oriented roles. Like in 'Vaidehi Kathirunthal' and 'Amman Koil Kizhakkale'. Then came Abha Vanan with his 'Oomai Vizhigal' that showed me as a grey-haired policeman. R K Selvamani's 'Captain Prabhakaran' and 'Bhulan Vicharanai' were trendsetters. Recently it was Vikraman with his 'Vanatheppol' where I played two contrasting roles. And 'Vallarasu' where Maharajan gave me the role of a cop who was quite different from the common cops of films. So there are many who contributed to my success.

What are your forthcoming ventures?

Vijaykant: I've just two films planned. One for my brother-in-law Sudhish. And the other I've signed is 'Vanjinathan' planned on a lavish scale. Shaji Kailash, the popular Malayalam director, will be directing it. Both films will take some time to be launched, so I will use the break to concentrate on the work of the artistes association.