Chethan D’Souza on Working With Tamil Superstars Rajinikanth and Suriya: ‘They Never Take a Shot or Audience For Granted’ (EXCLUSIVE)

Action director Chethan D’Souza is riding high post the success of his stylishly designed action sequences in “Jailer 2.” In an exclusive chat with Variety India, Chethan speaks about Rajinikanth’s active involvement on the sets of “Jailer 2” and about directing Mohanlal’s stunts in the film. He also shares how passionate Suriya is towards each shot in “Scene,” which releases Nov. 6.

When working with superstars like Mohanlal and Rajinikanth, how do you make the action look heroic while keeping them safe?

High-octane action in big-budget films, especially those featuring superstars, must be scripted and carefully planned. The emotions, build-ups and action need to flow together. We establish these moments in advance because the actors’ time and safety matter.

We consider how to bring the actor’s star appeal into the choreography. With stars, it is often less about how well they fight and more about their style and swagger.

Safety remains central. We consider the actor’s age, capabilities and what looks convincing on screen, then design the action accordingly. Mohanlal [who drives his car into a private jet as it takes off] performed the stunt himself under my direction, including driving the vehicle at [top] speed. However, moments involving explosions or the car hitting the truck and plane require technology; we cannot film those live. 

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When Rajinikanth and Hrithik Roshan share the frame, how do you balance their individual styles and make the scene iconic?

That balance is established in the script, not improvised on set. The director explains the sequence, and I draw on my experience to add ideas and refine the existing plan. We work out details such as the vehicle’s arrival and impact, the actor stepping down, and the shots that follow to make the entrance iconic. Each character needs the right emphasis without overpowering or being overshadowed by the other. Hrithik’s character must work in harmony with Rajini sir’s. We plan this well before filming and assess whether it will work. 

What gives Rajinikanth his X factor? How involved was he in the action sequences?

He was completely involved and approached the work with the openness of a newcomer. I never felt, even for a day, that I was working with a superstar. He stays on set rather than retreat to his trailer, he watches our preparations — even for sequences involving pyrotechnics — and sometimes comes over with ideas, asking, “Can we try something like this?”
Despite his experience, he is always willing to listen. In one sequence, another performer was not reacting properly to his strike because he was nervous. While I was correcting that performer, Rajini sir asked me, “Am I doing it right? Is what I’m doing okay?” That humility, rather than an attitude of knowing everything, is part of his X factor and makes him a genuine collaborator.
Beyond that, he has an unmistakable presence, style and swagger. Give him a knife, a gun or any object — or simply ask him to look — and he brings something distinctive to it. Although we must consider his age, he still comes up with ideas beyond what we have planned or imagined. Sometimes we explain only the sequence, without suggesting a particular gesture, and he surprises us with his interpretation. That is his X factor.

You have teamed up with director Jithu Madhavan for ‘Scene.’ What kind of action are you designing for Suriya?

I cannot share many details; the team or director should speak about those. What I can say is that Jithu Madhavan and Nelson Dilipkumar have a similar approach: action, emotion and comedy must blend seamlessly. The audience should not lose its connection to the characters, emotions or humour when the action begins. This film will have that same flavour.

What has it been like working with Suriya? How receptive is he to your ideas?

Suriya immerses himself in his character and explores every nuance. He thinks deeply about the character, reflects at home and returns with ideas. He asks, “I’m thinking of doing it this way. What do you think? Can you show me how it would work from your perspective?” I demonstrate my ideas, too. He puts all his thoughts on the table and invites me to choose what works.
Sometimes, after filming a sequence, he returns the next day with a different idea from the character’s perspective. We brainstorm, refine it and occasionally reshoot a small shot. Every shot is considered; nothing is done merely for the sake of it. That is something I have observed in both Suriya sir and Rajini sir: they never take a shot — or the audience — for granted.