He described Mohanlal as the ultimate paradox: a man who doesn’t take himself too seriously, but transforms completely when the camera rolls.

“He’s a textbook for our generation. The way he acts, behaves, performs—it’s pure magic.”

Nepotism? “give me a break.”

It’s 2025. And you can’t interview an actor from a film family without invoking the now-infamous “N-word”: nepo baby. For the uninitiated, he’s the son of the legendary actor Mahesh Babu.

Vishnu’s take? Bold, unfiltered, and unapologetic.

“It’s a newly coined word from people who aren’t good enough to get an opportunity,” he said. “Yes, my father was an actor, and I got a break. But that advantage ends after your first film.”

His voice sharpened as he continued: “If you don’t have the looks, the talent, or the discipline, you’re done. The audience decides. I’ve been here 20 years. You think that’s just because of my last name?”

He also touched on the unfair comparisons to his father.

“When I started, my father had almost 30 years of experience. People would say, ‘Oh, he doesn’t have the same diction as his father.’ I’m like — bro, at least give me 15 years to prove myself!”

Even now, with two decades behind him, he’s still held up to his father’s towering legacy.

“He’s a legend. You can’t compare us. Just like you can’t compare Sachin Tendulkar to Don Bradman. Every generation has its own heroes.”

Rajinikanth’s hug and the validation he needed

Perhaps the most affirming moment in this journey came from another legend: Rajinikanth.

“I never had Mr. Rajini praise any of my earlier films,” he said. “But after watching Kannappa, he called and spoke to me at length. He gave me a hug. That moment gave me immense confidence.”

It was the approval he didn’t know he needed — and finally received.