Cinema VinesIn a candid interview, Tamil film actor Vishnu Vishal opened up about his ongoing battle with an autoimmune disorder, depression and anxiety, stating that the recent commercial success of his film Gatta Kusthi 2 has not altered the personal challenges he faces. The 2026 interview came after the movie, which earned over ₹55 crore worldwide and is now streaming on Netflix, received criticism for its misogynistic themes.
Vishnu, who is married to former badminton star Jwala Gutta, explained that his struggle with depression began in 2018 and he publicly disclosed his condition in 2020. He clarified that his discussion is not a plea for sympathy but a sharing of his thoughts accumulated over the years. He noted that while many aspects of his life have changed, some core difficulties persist.
He reflected on his early career, saying that after the 2018 film Ratsasan he felt he was finally on the right track, yet a personal setback triggered a deepening of his depression and anxiety. The actor described the film industry as emotionally volatile, especially for an introvert like himself, and how the uncertainty of the business added to his stress.
The COVID‑19 pandemic further intensified his anxiety. Vishnu recounted that during the lockdown he continued to work on projects such as FIR and Gatta Kusthi 2, hoping a blockbuster would resolve his issues. However, the subsequent years brought new hardships, including financial strain from running a production house and unpaid work from filmmakers who kept him idle for months.
He admitted that the mounting financial pressure contributed to an autoimmune condition. Over the past eight years, Vishnu has attended multiple counseling sessions and, for the last three years, has regularly engaged in therapy. He also mentioned taking medication for anxiety and depression on several occasions under professional guidance.
