Sundeep Kishan on Being Directed by Tamil Nadu CM C Joseph Vijay’s Son, Jason Sanjay: ‘A 25-Year-Old Being So Clear About What He Wanted Was Beautiful’ (EXCLUSIVE)

Actor Sundeep Kishan has moved seamlessly between Telugu and Tamil cinema since debuting with the Telugu film “Prasthanam” in 2010. Over the years, he has navigated the highs and lows of the industry without the backing of godfathers or industry benefactors, steadily carving a space for himself through persistence and choice of roles. The actor is now gearing up for his upcoming Tamil film, directed by Jason Sanjay, son of Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu C. Joseph Vijay.

What is it like being directed in the film 'Sigma' by Jason Sanjay, who is 25?

Sanjay is an extremely hardworking boy. He and his team have been working on this project for a very long time. They did the pre-production as well as edit work extensively. One can learn a lot about patience from him, which I was really blown away by. For a 25-year-old to be that patient, calm and clear about what he wanted while directing was amazing. He has studied filmmaking and editing. It was joyful to see him and his team work. It had been a very long time since I worked with a filmmaker that young and it was a very interesting experience. It was an insight into how the present-day generation looks at film narration. He does look a lot like his father. He's one of the most grounded, humble boys you’ll ever meet. I am glad to have a brother like him today.

You have worked with many first-time directors.

I've always been very lucky with first-time filmmakers. I think somewhere I gravitate towards first-time directors who come with genuine intent and passion. Once again, I am lucky to have found a filmmaker who I am sure will make me proud.

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How do you view your journey in films so far?

I’m grateful. Academically, I come from a marketing background. I tend to see people’s career trajectories as case studies — the best moves, the worst moves, how audience mindsets shape a film's success and how that impacts actors. So, when I look at my own career as a case study, I feel it has been incredibly original and consistently upward in terms of growth and the love I’ve received. At this point, I just feel grateful and want to do justice to the faith and affection audiences have shown me.

Considering the kind of cinema I've always tried to back, the kind of projects I've always tried to create for myself, and the fact that I've been moving across languages, it has been a very unique career plan, I guess. But the fact that it is going at a good pace today gives me faith that being true to what you love will always work out in the long run.

What is your opinion on Vijay's crossover into politics?

I’m not a very politically opinionated person. Both in politics and religion, I like to keep it very personal always. But he is the Chief Minister now, so that part we're very proud of.  

How has “Dhurandhar” impacted the Tamil-Telugu film industry?

It was a great film-viewing experience. But that apart, I don't think it has really influenced the industry much. Every time there's a very successful, good film, you're inspired to make great cinema. I think that's the influence it has had. Right from the director (Aditya Dhar) to Ranveer Singh to everybody in the film, it is obvious that they really slogged a lot. It's very inspiring to see that kind of intent and sincerity.

What are your forthcoming films?

I have “Sigma” up for release, then I have my Netflix series, “Super Subu,” directed by Malik and has Mithila Palkar in it. It's a social comedy, and I think it'll be lapped up for its content, humor and the intent of the story. I've also started shooting for the Telugu film “Pavarpeta,” which is a very ambitious film. It's being directed by Krishna Chaitanya. After that, I will start shooting for a movie with director Ugandhar Muni, which is being produced by the makers of Shambhala. It's a large scale, ambitious project, which will take a reasonable amount of time. It's a mad script and a great team.

Are you enjoying this phase in your career?

 It's a great phase. Beyond acting, I will also be producing a film with a bunch of newcomers. That's been something I have always wanted to do. So, yes, it's a packed year.