Vijay Sethupathi has credited director Nithilan Saminathan for the journey of Maharaja, saying he never expected the 2024 Tamil thriller to travel as far as it eventually has. Speaking at the audio launch of his upcoming film Baththa, the actor also joked about wanting a small role in the Hollywood version of the film.
Recalling his experience of working on Maharaja, he said Nithilan’s writing was one of the film’s biggest strengths. “He is an excellent director. His sense of writing is extraordinary. He writes so much and puts so much thought into his stories,” he said, adding that even the narration of Maharaja 2 was “incredibly beautiful.”
The actor's comments come days after the makers confirmed that Maharaja is set to get a Hollywood remake, following the film's success in China and its reach through streaming platforms. A Hollywood agency approached the producers for the remake rights, with reports suggesting that Oscar-winning actor Matthew McConaughey could be considered for Vijay Sethupathi's role, though his casting has not been officially confirmed. The English-language adaptation is expected to be developed for an international audience rather than being a direct translation of the Tamil film.
Vijay Sethupathi recalled that even the original team did not anticipate the film's eventual reach. “We knew the film was good. Even after we finished it, some people weren't convinced that it would go this far. I had some belief in it, but even I didn't expect this,” he said.
He then recounted the moment producer Sudhan Sundaram informed him that the film had been sold for a Hollywood remake. “He called me one day and said, ‘Sir, I've sold the film.’ I asked him, ‘Really, sir? To Hollywood?’ He told me the name of the actor who was going to play the role. I immediately joked, ‘I'll act in another film for you for free. Just get me a small role in that film and send me there!’”
While he said he has always had a strong desire to work in Hollywood, he admitted that he does not know whether that opportunity will materialise. “It is a huge surprise and a great source of happiness for me. I've always had a strong desire to go there and work. I don't know whether that will happen or not. But I'm extremely happy that my film is travelling there,” he said.
The actor attributed the achievement entirely to Nithilan, adding, “The entire credit goes to Nithilan. Nithila, love you, man.” He also expressed hope that the numerous videos of him discussing the Hollywood remake would continue to circulate and eventually reach audiences there.
Meanwhile, Vijay Sethupathi is awaiting the release of Baththa, his third collaboration with director Balaji Tharaneetharan after Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom and Seethakaathi. Presented by Atlee, the action drama also stars Lijomol Jose and is set in 1980s Madras. The film is slated for a worldwide theatrical release on October 1, with music by Sai Abhyankkar.
