Vishal Solanki: Films demand more subtle and original performances than television

After spending over 13 years balancing television and films, actor Vishal Solanki is gearing up for a big-screen outing with Me and Madhav, directed by Dharmesh Bhatia. The film, slated for a Janmashtami release, features Vishal in the titular role of Madhav—another name for Lord Krishna—alongside Jimit Trivedi.

Reflecting on the transition from television to films, Vishal says the two mediums differ significantly in terms of scale, locations, and creative freedom. “Television usually revolves around a few fixed sets and locations because of tight schedules and telecast pressure,” he explains. “Films are completely different. If a script requires a river, you have to shoot at a real river. There’s no compromise when it comes to locations because filmmakers have more time and resources to bring the story alive authentically.”

He adds, “Because I’ve spent so many years in television, certain performance patterns become habitual,” he says. “But films require more originality and much subtler performances. The camera captures every small emotion, so the approach has to be more natural. I’ve always tried to bring realism into my television performances as well. That’s one of the reasons audiences connected with my work."

Known for shows such as Parineetii, Naagin 6, Kumkum Bhagya, Parvarrish, Chhanchhan, Desh Ki Beti Nandini, and Laxmi Sadaiv Mangalam.