Atul Tiwari all excited about two back-to-back releases

Five years after Atul Tiwari wrote and acted in Kamal Haasan’s Vishwaroopam, the Lucknow-born script writer-actor has returned to big screen with two back-to-back films.

While one of his just-released films Mulk is garnering rave reviews he is super excited about Vishwaroopam II in which he has written dialogues and story. The film is set for release this weekend.

“It happens very rare for even big stars that two films come one after the other. Acting in one and writing dialogues and story (with Kamal Hassan) is a special feat for me. Its first part came in 2013 in which I acted too and the second part comes 5 years and coincides with Mulk,” says the Lucknowite.

On what kept him away from the silver screen for so long, Tiwari says that though he hasn’t done any Hindi films in this period but was otherwise busy with Punjabi film and theatre.

“I wrote a feature film for Punjab museum ‘Jang-e-Azadi’ that was directed by Shyam Benegal. I played Govind Ballabh Pant for Rajya Sabha TV mini-series ‘Samvidhaan: The Making of Constitution of India’ which I co-wrote with Shama Zaidi,” he says.

“Besides, I was busy with social endeavors, writing and directing plays and so many other things. I went on a long tour to Australia where I did a lot of theatre so main stream films took a back seat,” he says.

On acting after five years he says, “Primarily, I am not an actor. Rather, I am a reluctant actor. I am grateful to Anubhav (Sinha, director) that he thought of me. He wrote a beautiful script and sketched my character nicely. The length of my role may not be too long but from the start to the end it makes its presence felt strongly.”

Talking about his role in Mulk he says, “The various shades that has been given to my character is realistic. From the best of friends to changing with circumstances is how it happens. And, when one realizes then it’s too late. It is best said in the phrase: Rahiman dhaga prem ka mat todo chhitkay, ki toote so phir na jude, judey to gaanth pad jaye. Both mine (Chaubey) and Anil Rastogi’s characters (Sonkar) give a very strong social message.”

Tiwari says that it’s a special feeling as both the films are socially relevant film and deals with terrorism.

“Mulk is doing well and I hope Vishwaroopam II too makes a lasting impact,” he says.

So, what’s next on card? “There are some big things but these days we have something called non-disclosure agreements (NDA) which we need to honour.”