Tamil actor Vishnu Vishal recently shared insights into a profound conversation with Bollywood star Aamir Khan, which he credits with completely altering his perspective on his film career and creative direction.

The actor, who has an MBA background, revealed that he often approaches his career with a sharp analytical eye. He noted two significant challenges he faces: the considerable delays between his film releases—which he estimates allows for up to 500 other films to enter the market—and his consistent choice of unconventional, content-driven scripts. Vishal observed that his films, such as Ratsasan and Mundasupatti, frequently find their greatest success not at the box office, but later upon television premiere, suggesting his audience’s recognition is often two years behind his current work.

While he acknowledged his attempts to venture into more commercial territory with mass comedies like Velainu Vandhutta Vellaikaaran as a stepping stone toward becoming an action star, he concluded that his overall success ratio remains highest with films centered on unique concepts.

This professional dilemma formed the basis of his discussion with Aamir Khan, a star he has maintained a close friendship with for several years.

Vishal recounted asking the Hindi cinema icon where he found the courage to consistently back diverse and risky projects. Aamir Khan’s response was simple: he believes deeply in the character and the narrative.

The Tamil actor then presented his regional challenge: the longest-standing, most successful superstars in South Indian cinema are predominantly action heroes. He noted that only a select few, like Kamal Haasan, have sustained a lengthy career by consistently prioritizing varied content.

It was Aamir Khan’s subsequent question, however, that served as the turning point for Vishnu Vishal. The veteran actor challenged him: “Why can’t you be the first one, Vishnu?”

This single question, according to Vishal, forced him to stop analyzing and following established formulas. Aamir Khan advised him to halt the analysis of past successes and the attempts to emulate others. The core message was to find and forge his own unique path.

“He also told me to believe in myself so convincingly that the universe aligns with ME,” Vishal said, summarizing the life-changing lesson he received—an instruction to embrace his distinct core and trust his own instincts above conventional industry wisdom. Vishal is now focused on blending his unique, content-driven ideas with essential commercial elements.