Ignore negativity: Actor Vijay to fans

Chennai: In an inspirational message to his fans, Tamil superstar Vijay asked them to shun negativity to move ahead in life. Vjay, 32, advised his admirers to toughen up and not yield to "bad forces" at an event yesterday. "People keep asking me about how I handle all the negativity surrounding me. I tell them I simply ignore and move on with my work.

That's what I would like to tell my fans too. People will always try to pull us down. "... I've faced this in my life several times. Don't let bad forces define your character. Be calm and ignore them," Vijay told reporters. The actor was speaking at the audio launch of his upcoming release "Mersal". The film has been directed by Atlee Kumar, who has co- written the script with "Baahubali" writer KV Vijayendra Prasad. It is Vijay's second film with Atlee after "Theri".

"I admire Atlee a lot, especially his confidence. 'Mersal' is not a project which can be completed in just six to eight months. But he has wrapped it up with ease," he said. Talking about music maestro A R Rahman, who has composed the music for the film, Vijay said, "I feel happy to have worked with him in his milestone (25th) year in the industry." Rahman said he continuously strives to come up with new sounds for the next generation of music lovers. "As the song 'Aalaporaan Tamizhan' (A Tamil is going to rule) suggests, we all should turn it into a reality and make our roots proud. Succeed in your field.

Be it doctor, or a leader or education, prove yourself. Be courteous to women," Rahman said. Atlee described "Mersal" as a film that would talk about the long-lost, glorious Tamil culture and its enviable tradition. "It's a high-profile commercial film with a small message," the director said. The movie also features Kajal Aggarwal is working with Vijay for the third time after "Thuppakki" and "Jilla". "Mersal" also features Samantha, Nithya Menen, Sathyaraj, Vadivelu, Sathyan, SJ Suryah and Yogi Babu. The film releases on Diwali.