Vishnu Vishal Says He Still Feels ‘Empty’ Despite Gatta Kusthi 2 Success, Opens Up About Depression: ‘What Was It For?’

Vishnu Vishal opens up about depression and the emptiness he felt despite success

Chennai: For Vishnu Vishal, professional success has not always translated into personal happiness. The Tamil actor has spoken candidly about experiencing depression and feeling emotionally empty even at moments when his career appeared to be moving in the right direction.

His comments come amid the success of Gatta Kusthi 2, the sequel to his 2022 sports comedy-drama with Aishwarya Lekshmi. The film has continued its theatrical run and recently completed 50 days in cinemas, prompting celebrations involving the cast and crew.

‘What was it for?’

Reflecting on the darker phases of his life, Vishnu Vishal has described the disconnect between achieving something professionally and actually feeling fulfilled by it.

The actor has previously spoken publicly about depression following his divorce and the difficult period that followed. In an earlier interview, he revealed that the experience pushed him towards alcohol dependence before he eventually began rebuilding his life through exercise, discipline and a change in mindset.

The contrast between outward success and inner struggles has remained an important part of Vishnu Vishal's personal story.

Success of Gatta Kusthi 2 comes after difficult years

Gatta Kusthi 2, directed by Chella Ayyavu, brings Vishnu Vishal and Aishwarya Lekshmi back as the central pair. The sequel was released on July 3, 2026, and continues the franchise's focus on relationships, gender roles and family dynamics.

Ahead of its release, Vishnu Vishal explained that while the first film largely explored the woman's perspective, the sequel was designed to look at the man's side of a relationship. He described the film as dealing with a different kind of man-woman politics, particularly the relationship between money, responsibility and power.

The film's commercial performance has given the actor another significant success. In July, The Times of India reported that the movie had crossed ₹46 crore worldwide, describing it as one of Vishnu Vishal's biggest commercial successes in recent years.

Aamir Khan's advice helped him through difficult times

Vishnu Vishal has also credited Aamir Khan with helping him maintain perspective during some of his toughest professional and personal periods.

In an interview reported by The Times of India, the actor recalled turning to Aamir whenever he felt low. According to Vishnu Vishal, Aamir encouraged him not to remain trapped in a negative mindset and reminded him that there was always an opportunity to make a comeback.

That advice appears to have stayed with the actor as he navigated setbacks and rebuilt his career.

The success doesn't erase the struggle

Vishnu Vishal's latest reflections offer a reminder that public success and private well-being do not necessarily move together.

Even after Gatta Kusthi 2's strong run, the actor's comments suggest that questions about fulfilment and purpose can remain. His willingness to discuss depression publicly has also added a more personal dimension to the celebrations surrounding the film.

For an actor who has experienced career setbacks, personal loss and periods of depression, the success of Gatta Kusthi 2 may be an important professional milestone—but, as Vishnu Vishal's reflections make clear, success alone does not always fill an emotional void.