“It’s important not to repeat myself”: Vijay Sethupathi on teaming up with Tabu and exploring action with Puri Jagannadh

Versatility has long been Vijay Sethupathi’s trademark, and once again, the acclaimed actor is stepping into new territory. He’s now set to collaborate with director Puri Jagannadh on a high-octane action film, marking a bold departure from his emotionally intense performances in recent projects. The film also brings him together with veteran actress Tabu for the first time, making it a significant milestone in his career. In an exclusive conversation with ETimes, Vijay Sethupati shares his insights on choosing the script, his experience working with Tabu and much more.
While director Puri Jagannadh's recent track record has been inconsistent, Sethupathi remains unfazed. “Yes, Sir. It’s true. We start shooting in June,” he confirms. When asked about Puri’s string of underwhelming releases, Sethupathi is firm in his conviction. “I don’t judge my directors by what they’ve done in the past. If I like a script, I do it. I liked what he presented—it’s a full-on action film, something I haven’t done before. I need to go into untried territory and not repeat myself.”
One of the film’s most exciting aspects is Sethupathi’s first collaboration with Tabu, widely regarded as one of Indian cinema’s finest performers. “Yes, Sir. She has an important role in the film,” he shares. “She is a fine artiste. It’s always a pleasure to work with a talented co-star—especially someone I haven’t worked with before.”
Looking back on his critically acclaimed film Maharaja, which was both a box-office and OTT success, Sethupathi reflects on its emotional depth. “It was a film with a very strong statement on child abuse. Many times, I would be shivering while doing the scenes,” he recalls. “In terms of emotional involvement, I would say Maharaja was my toughest role to date.”
Even compared to his challenging performances in Super Deluxe and Uppena, Maharaja stands apart. “Those films were also demanding—especially Super Deluxe, where I had to feel like a woman. But in Maharaja, the anger and revulsion were real. As a father to a daughter in real life, the subject struck a deeply personal chord.”
With a reputation for choosing socially relevant films, Sethupathi insists that doesn't limit his range. “Films with a strong message are my forte,” he says. “But that doesn’t mean I don’t want to work in out-and-out entertainers.”
Apart from his collaboration with Puri Jagannadh, the actor has two Tamil films on the horizon. “One is Train, directed by Mysskin, which is another action film. The other is Ace, a murder mystery by Aruguma Kumar,” he reveals.
And yes—he’s excited about both. “Of course, Otherwise, I wouldn’t have done them.”
For Vijay Sethupathi, growth as an actor lies in the unfamiliar. Whether it’s navigating a role that demands inner transformation or jumping into the adrenaline of action cinema, he continues to expand his creative horizon. As he steps into fresh collaborations and new genres, one thing remains constant: his commitment to authenticity and reinvention.