'GOAT': How Venkat Prabhu employs AI to feature late Vijayakanth
Director Venkat Prabhu's upcoming film The Greatest of All Time (GOAT) is set to hit the screens on Thursday (September 5). In a candid chat with India Today, Prabhu shared his experience of working with Thalapathy Vijay for the first time. He also opened up about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and de-aging technology in the film. Here are more details.
'It was very scary at first to direct Vijay'
When asked about his experience of working with Vijay, Prabhu said that initially, he was scared to direct the Leo actor. However, the actor made it comfortable for everyone. Describing it as a "fun one year," the director added, "We traveled across the globe. We went to Los Angeles, Russia, Tunisia and Africa as the script is an espionage spy thriller. It was a fun and exciting ride."
Prabhu explained why Vijay was cast as father and son
Prabhu revealed that when he first wrote the script, he wasn't aware of de-aging technology. He had initially planned for the father and son characters to be portrayed by different actors. However, his classmate introduced him to the concept. "Vijay assumed that my script was Gemini Man and asked me to tell the story, but then I explained that we were only going to use the technology that was used in Gemini Man."
Prabhu talks about using AI to bring back late Vijayakanth
Further, Prabhu revealed that the decision to use AI to bring back late actor Vijayakanth was made long back when he was still alive. They had planned to shoot and get his blessings, but before they could complete it, he passed away. "We then spoke to his wife, Premalatha. Initially, we spoke to his son Shangmugapandian, who agreed to it. We first decided to do this out of respect, but it has now become a tribute."
'I wanted to bring back the 1990s nostalgia'
When asked about bringing together an ensemble cast of 1990s actors, Prabhu said it was their love for Vijay. He wanted to bring back the 1990s nostalgia and emotion. "Even the heroines, Sneha and Laila, are paired with Prashanth and Prabhudheva. They play friends and a group of elite spies. They are seasoned spies who can speak like common friends." "The film is more about their friendship and quarrel...It is a big achievement for me to bring them all together."
