‘I’d Like To Do the Intl Version of Maharaja’

Vijay Sethupathi’s acclaimed Tamil thriller Maharaja, about a father seeking justice after his daughter is sexually assaulted, is going international. The film is set to become the first Tamil film to get an official Hollywood remake by a major studio, with Passion Studios confirming the development.

Oscar-winning actor Matthew McConaughey is reportedly in talks to take over Vijay Sethupathi’s role. Reacting to the proposed casting change, Vijay Sethupathi says, “I am a big fan of Matthew McConaughey. But with due respect, I don’t think he can understand the character’s trauma and thirst for justice the way I can. When I was shooting Maharaja, I was literally shivering with rage and disbelief. How can anything so savage be done to a child? What kind of animals do this? It took me months to get over my father’s role in Maharaja.”

Vijay is open to reprising the role internationally. “I think that character is now a permanent part of my DNA. I can’t imagine anyone else getting into that zone. The international producers may have a problem with my English accent. I will work on it.” Vijay also reveals that a Maharaja sequel is on the cards. “Normally, I don’t do sequels. In fact, this would be my first one. It’s a subject that warrants revisitation. That’s why I agreed.”