Leading Tamil actor Vishnu Vishal's latest film, Lal Salaam, sees him playing a cricketer alongside Vikranth, with 'Superstar' Rajinikanth making a special appearance. The sports drama film marks Aishwarya Rajinikanth's big comeback to filmmaking and also features music composed by Academy Award winner A. R. Rahman. With Lal Salaam now out in theatres and taking a strong opening, Vishnu Vishal recently sat down for an exclusive interview with Galatta to talk about the film, including Rajinikanth's gesture of courtesy in regard to his conversation with his ex-wife Rajini Natraj about his casting.
Speaking about sharing screen space with Rajinikanth in Lal Salaam and his discussion with his ex-wife, Vishnu Vishal said, "Aaryan's mother's name is Rajini. Her father is actor-director K. Natraj. He's Rajini sir's best friend and is the reason why he named his daughter after him. At the film's press meet recently, I said something despite many people telling me not to. When Aishwarya Rajinikanth spoke to Rajini sir about casting me in Lal Salaam, he was happy. But, he called up Aaryan's mother Rajini and told her about Aishwarya's interest in casting me and asked for her and her father's opinion. Rajini (Natraj) then told him that we are on speaking terms and that Aaryan is extremely happy. She said, 'There are no problems and you all can do the film. This is a happy news.' After that, Rajini sir spoke to Aishwarya and I boarded the film."
Vishnu Vishal further explained, "There was no real need for him (Rajinikanth) to do that. He didn't do that to seek her permission. His intention was to not leave anybody hurt and it is because of that attitude and heart why he is called 'Superstar'. Actually, I felt proud and happy that such a big star holds his friendship at a high place in his heart and I took it as an example to not hurt anybody in the future under any such circumstances. I got the understanding of calling the person if I were to ever face such a situation. All is good now and she's excited to watch the film."
