Mysskin opens up about Train: ‘I have made a compromise on my vision for this film…’

Director Mysskin, who was recently seen in the role of a filmmaker in Oho Enthan Baby, is currently working on his next directorial, Train, starring Vijay Sethupathi. In a recent interview with Sudhir Srinivasan, the filmmaker and actor opened up about the film and revealed that he had to make a compromise on his vision. 

Sharing details about the film’s story, he said, "I've long harboured the desire to make a film set entirely on a train. I envisioned a fast-paced story unfolding in real time, with the train moving at 80 km/h and the entire journey wrapping up in two hours and thirty minutes, just like the film’s runtime. But I soon realised that was too ambitious and rewrote the story to take place over five hours instead."

Mysskin then shared how producer Kalaipuli S Thanu came onboard the film. “Years ago, when I narrated Nandalala to Kalaipuli S Thanu sir, he wasn’t interested. Only recently did I understand why. He approaches cinema not just as an art form or a source of entertainment, but also as a business. For him, a film has to be commercially viable and bring profit, not just for himself, but also for the director and the hero. That clarity stayed with me.” 

The Anjathe director revealed that Vijay Sethupathi had a request for him before taking up the film. “When I approached Vijay Sethupathi, he had a simple request: 'Sir, your films are usually quite dark. I’m still building myself as a mainstream hero, so I’d prefer something a little lighter.'”

On hearing Thanu and Vijay Sethupathi’s opinions, Mysskin said that he decided to make a compromise on his vision. “Usually, when I direct a film, it’s entirely my vision that drives it. But this time, I chose to consider both Thanu sir’s and Vijay Sethupathi’s perspectives. My assistants felt I had compromised on my vision—and in a way, it’s true. This is the first time I’ve made such a compromise.” 

Lastly, he said that making Train taught him a lesson. “Through this experience, I came to an important realisation: when a producer invests Rs 30 to 40 crores, it’s not fair for a director to think only about his artistic vision. The producer has every right to expect returns, and it’s our responsibility to be mindful of that."

Shruti Haasan, Narain, Nassar, KS Ravikumar, Dimple Hayati, Yugi Sethu, Kalaiyarasan, Ira Dayanand, and Preethy Karan also star in key roles in Train. The film marks the maiden collaboration between Mysskin and Vijay Sethupathi.

Train's technical crew comprises cinematographer Fowzia Fathima and editor Sri Watson. Apart from directing the film, Mysskin is also composing music. A release date for the film is yet to be announced by the makers.