Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and actor C Joseph Vijay’s son, Jason Sanjay, is set to make his directorial debut in Kollywood. His first film, ‘Sigma’, stars Sundeep Kishan in the lead role.Long before Jason Sanjay announced his filmmaking plans, C Joseph Vijay had spoken about his son’s career choices. During a 2022 interaction, Tamil Nadu CM revealed that filmmaker Alphonse Puthren had once narrated a story with Jason Sanjay in mind. C Joseph Vijay initially believed that the filmmaker had brought the script for him.
C Joseph Vijay spoke about Jason Sanjay’s plans
The revelation came during the promotional campaign for C Joseph Vijay’s film ‘Beast’. Director Nelson Dilipkumar interviewed the actor in an interaction that took the place of the usual audio launch event.During the conversation, C Joseph Vijay was asked about Jason Sanjay and whether he had decided on his future in the entertainment industry. The actor said he had no fixed expectations about his son’s career.“I really don’t know what’s on his mind. I don’t have any wishes, it’s all his interest. If he wants my support, he will have it,” opened up Vijay.Thalapathy Vijay also recalled that Jason Sanjay had been approached about acting. However, his son wanted additional time before deciding which direction to take.
Alphonse Puthren narrated a story for Jason Sanjay
C Joseph Vijay then shared an unexpected detail about filmmaker Alphonse Puthren. The director, known for films such as ‘Premam’, had visited him to narrate a story.“Some people have asked if he will act. Even then I will tell him about the happenings and ask him to take a call. However, he said he needs two years of time. Meanwhile, Premam-director Alphonse Puthren came to narrate a story and I thought it was for me but he told me that it was for my son. It was a good, boy next door story. But personally, I like the story and thought it would be nice if he takes up the project. When I told him, he still said he wants more time. Only he knows if he’ll be in front of camera or behind it. I’ll be happy with anything he takes up,” he said.
Jason Sanjay on the attention around his family
Jason Sanjay eventually chose to work behind the camera. In a recent conversation with Galatta Plus, he spoke about the attention surrounding C Joseph Vijay’s films, political career and public image.Jason Sanjay said he tries to stay away from the external narrative surrounding his father. He said, “I just try to stay away from it as much as I can. Because there’s always gonna be an outside narrative. I think because of where my father is right now in his life, I just need to make sure I safeguard the reputation of the family. I want to make sure I’m not doing anything in an inconsiderate manner which may offend anyone.Because my father is the CM of the state. It’s not in terms of my work, but in my personal life. I do have certain limitations. As long as there’s no collateral damage. I just need to trust my intuition and hope for the best.”When asked whether the situation sometimes feels like too much pressure, Jason Sanjay smiled and agreed that it does “sometimes”.
Jason Sanjay wants to establish his own identity
The filmmaker also addressed the expectations that come with being C Joseph Vijay’s son. Jason Sanjay admitted that he is conscious of how audiences may perceive his work because of his family background.“I think about it all the time, I can’t deny that. I think the timing of everything has worked out interestingly. Obviously, the inbuilt legacy of my family is going to continue forever. Also, the political scenario and changes that have taken place of late. On the other hand, I’m doing my own film and trying to make my mark in the industry and deliver my vision. It’s going to be in the subconscious that so-and-so has directed the film or whatever. But five minutes in, people are gonna watch it as just a film.”Jason Sanjay is now preparing for his first release as a director with ‘Sigma’. The film is slated for a theatrical release on October 2.
