Abishan Jeevinth Embarks on Lead Actor Journey with 'With Love' Releasing February 6
In a significant career transition, filmmaker Abishan Jeevinth is poised to make his mark as a lead actor with the upcoming Tamil film 'With Love', scheduled for theatrical release on February 6. Directed by Madhan, this romantic venture marks Jeevinth's debut in a protagonist role, featuring Malayalam actress Anaswara Rajan as the female lead. As promotional activities gain momentum, the actor finds himself at the center of both anticipation and scrutiny, particularly following the release of the film's teaser.
Navigating Comparisons with Pradeep Ranganathan
The teaser for 'With Love' sparked immediate comparisons on social media, with many viewers drawing parallels between Abishan Jeevinth's mannerisms and style and those of popular actor-director Pradeep Ranganathan. This led to a wave of online criticism, shifting focus to Jeevinth's acting capabilities even before his official hero debut in theaters.
In response to these comparisons, Abishan Jeevinth offered a thoughtful explanation, emphasizing that any perceived similarities are purely coincidental. "The comparison arises because both Pradeep and I began our careers as directors before stepping into hero roles," he noted. "The teaser features high-energy sequences that might contribute to this impression. However, once audiences experience the complete narrative and character arc in the full film, I believe these comparisons will naturally dissipate." Jeevinth expressed confidence that his performance and the film's storytelling would ultimately stand on their own merits.
Rajinikanth's Transformative Words of Encouragement
Beyond addressing the comparisons, Abishan Jeevinth shared a pivotal personal anecdote that profoundly influenced his decision to pursue acting. He recalled an interaction with Galatta media where Soundarya Rajinikanth remarked that he possessed a "hero face," though he initially did not give it much weight.
The turning point came when he met the legendary Rajinikanth after the superstar watched his directorial venture 'Tourist Family'. Rajinikanth not only praised the film but also explicitly told Jeevinth that he was "hero material" and referred to him as a "hero." "That single sentence completely shattered my insecurities and doubts about acting," Jeevinth revealed. "Rajinikanth sir instilled in me the confidence to step in front of the camera, while also assuring me that I would always be welcome behind it as a filmmaker." This endorsement from an industry icon became a cornerstone of his transition to acting.
Anticipation Builds for 'With Love' Release
As the release date of February 6 approaches, Abishan Jeevinth stands at a crucial juncture, balancing the dual responsibilities of being both a seasoned filmmaker and a debutant actor. The film promises to deliver a contemporary Gen Z love story with Anaswara Rajan, aiming to resonate with younger audiences while showcasing Jeevinth's versatility.
Despite the initial social media backlash, Jeevinth's journey appears to be guided more by genuine passion and mentorship from stalwarts like Rajinikanth than by manufactured image-building. The industry and audiences alike are keenly watching to see how this multifaceted talent navigates his new role, with 'With Love' set to be a defining moment in his evolving career.
