Pooja Kumar on her ‘Vishwaroopam 2’ return

Pooja Kumar’s life was not the same after Vishwaroopam, released in 2013. She went on to do two more films with Kamal Haasan — Uttama Villain and the upcoming Vishwaroopam 2, and made her foray into Telugu cinema with PSV Garuda Vega, in 2017.

In an exclusive with tabloid!, Kumar talks about playing Dr. Nirupama Vishwanath from Vishwaroopam 2.

How does Dr. Nirupama’s arc play out in part two?
In Vishwaroopam, we see Nirupama as a selfish and self-absorbed woman who uses her husband [Kamal Haasan’s character] for her future. She doesn’t care about him and wonders who is this kathak guy? But towards the end of the story, she sees him transform into a completely different individual who fights for his country.

This revelation of Vishwanath’s personality was unexpected for her. She is then inspired by his actions to involve herself in his work. But she is not a spy or trained in espionage work yet takes it on because of the newfound respect for her husband. Vishwaroopam 2 explores their relationship. There is romance. We also get to know Vishwanath’s background — where did he come from? It soon becomes their journey together. Yet, you don’t need to see part one to understand part two and that’s what is great of the film.

You have done some tough action scenes, too? Tell us about it.
When I mentioned to Kamal sir that I was a certified scuba diver and had done deep sea diving at Hawaii, Mexico and Costa Rica, I little knew what I was getting into. I was surprised when he asked me to get ready for an underwater action sequence.

In Thailand, a set resembling a wreckage of an old ship was set up for this scene. The scene was arranged with special lights and cameras. We were a team of three who went down in full gear-carrying oxygen cylinders, masks and a gun. We remained underwater for thirty minutes, while we performed the stunts. It was not easy with all the paraphernalia and conveying the emotions. We had to imagine that there were fishes and sea creatures around too — the VFX work would be done later. I think this is the first underwater sequence done in South Indian cinema. Kamal sir has also done an underwater sequence which is neat.

How was it working with Kamal Haasan?
Sir describes a scene and leaves it to us to interpret. He comes in only when he sees it not going right.

As an actress, earlier it was only about the character and how it behaved. Now I have learnt to view movies as a whole and have a better understanding of the nuances of acting and various styles. I also learnt to step outside my comfort zone and integrate new skills. More than that I was inspired by his spirit of perseverance-he never gives up.

Do you share screen space with veteran Bollywood actress Waheeda Rahman?
Oh yes, I shot one song sequence with her. It was an honour meeting Waheeda ma’am. I was in awe watching her work for 15 hours a day, such is her passion for cinema. She is fantastic.

Vishwaroopam 2 releases in the UAE on August 10.