R. Madhavan has opened up about the changing political environment in Tamil Nadu and his thoughts on Chief Minister Joseph Vijay’s rise from one of the biggest film stars of the state to the highest elected office.
Speaking in an interview prior to the release of his upcoming biographical drama GDN: Edison of India, Madhavan also spoke of his long relationship with Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin and denied that he was ever thinking of entering politics himself.
The actor spoke during a conversation with filmmaker K.S. Ravikumar on cinema and politics to his latest film based on the life of legendary inventor Gopalswamy Doraiswamy Naidu (G.D. Naidu).
It Shows That Things Can Change Quickly
Madhavan’s views on the present political situation in Tamil Nadu and Madhavan said that “a lot of good is happening.” He was especially asked about Joseph Vijay's transition from cinema to politics and his elevation to Chief Minister's post.
As Madhavan reflected on Vijay’s journey, he said it gave people the confidence that change can happen quickly. Madhavan had known Vijay personally for many years in the film industry and was happy at his success and humorously said that now he had to refer to him as “CM Vijay.”
His words were a stark testimony to Vijay’s political evolution, which is one of the most talked about developments in Tamil Nadu as well as one of the most talked of developments in recent years. The actor’s answer was one of admiration at a colleague who had moved from the silver screen to public office.
Fond memories of Udhayanidhi Stalin
The interview also turned nostalgic when director K.S. Ravikumar recalled working with Udhayanidhi Stalin during the production of the 2010 film Manmadhan Ambu.
Ravikumar recalled that Udhayanidhi’s son, Inban, was a very young child at the time and would visit the film’s sets often and interact with the cast and crew. Madhavan smiled when recalling those days and said it was very satisfying to watch the family move through the years.
Manmadhan Ambu was directed by K.S. Ravikumar and written by Kamal Haasan with Madhavan alongside Kamal Haasan and Trisha Krishnan. The film was produced and distributed by Red Giant Movies, the production banner under Udhayanidhi Stalin before he entered active politics.
Madhavan said seeing people he has known from the film industry achieve significant milestones in public life fills him with pride.
No Interest in Politics
Despite being one of Indian cinema’s most well-known actors, Madhavan made it clear that politics is not in his future plans.
When asked if he would ever enter public life, the actor said he has no such ambition. Madhavan says politics requires a special kind of dedication to serving people and he thinks he does not have such a commitment to it.
He openly admitted that public service demands a degree of selflessness that he does not see in himself. Madhavan preferred to admit that politics was not his calling.
His straightforward response was appreciated by many viewers, who praised the actor for giving an honest assessment instead of giving a diplomatic answer.
The focus shifts to GDN: Edison of India
While politics dominated part of the conversation, Madhavan’s immediate focus is his upcoming film GDN: Edison of India.
The biographical drama tells the tale of G.D. Naidu, the celebrated inventor, engineer and industrial pioneer often referred to as the 'Edison of India.' Thanks to his great achievements in engineering, manufacturing and innovation, G.D. Naidu is one of the great scientists of India.
The film reunites Tricolour Films and Varghese Moolan Pictures, production houses that previously collaborated on Rocketry: The Nambi Effect, the critically acclaimed biographical drama directed by and starring Madhavan.
Directed by Krishnakumar Ramakumar, GDN: Edison of India also stars Jayaram, Priyamani and Yogi Babu. The film will be released on August 7, and audiences will be waiting for it to hit theatres, with this film being one of the most inspiring real-life stories.
A Career Built on Meaningful Cinema
R. Madhavan has become one of the most versatile actors of India in the past 20 years that has played his roles in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu movies. From scientists, military officers, romantic leads or socially relevant characters, he has opted for entertainment with substance.
His recent remarks again demonstrate his thoughtfulness not just in cinema but in politics and public life. And even as he wishes to congratulate colleagues like Chief Minister Joseph Vijay for the career of their leader Udhayanidhi Stalin, Madhavan has made it clear that his own path is rooted in storytelling and cinema.
As GDN: Edison of India is set for release, we expect to see yet another inspiring real-life personality from the actor on the big screen and that he is still one of the most respected figures in Indian cinema.
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