Jay Chandrasekhar on Spielberg, Comedy, and Taking Power Back from Critics
When a film isn’t received well by critics, it can be easy for directors and creators to take it personally. However, director, comedian, and actor Jay Chandrasekhar turned that challenge into an opportunity. Best known for his work with the comedy group Broken Lizard and for directing Super Troopers, Beerfest, and Club Dread, Jay has now ventured into a new space—developing an app designed to shift the power of reviews back to audiences.
Maria Menounos caught up with Jay to talk about his latest movie Easter Sunday, produced by Steven Spielberg, his insights from working with the legendary director, and his mission to revolutionize how we share recommendations.
Taking Back the Power: The Vouch Vault App
The idea for Jay’s new app, Vouch Vault, was born out of frustration. When Super Troopers first debuted, it was slammed by critics, earning a 36% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, audiences loved it, giving it a 90% rating from over 250,000 users. That contrast made Jay realize a fundamental flaw in the system—why do we rely on a small number of critics when real people’s opinions are often vastly different?
With Vouch Vault, Jay aims to change that. The app allows users to curate and share only the things they love, from movies and TV shows to restaurants, books, and even beauty products. Unlike traditional review platforms that emphasize negativity, Vouch Vault is designed to be a positive space—think of it as Instagram for recommendations. Users can follow people they trust, bookmark suggestions, and even earn commissions when their recommendations lead to purchases.
“I’m putting all my muscle behind this,” Jay says. “I really want it to work.”
Lessons from Spielberg: Hiring the Best Over the Most Famous
Jay also shared his experience working with Steven Spielberg on Easter Sunday, a comedy starring Jo Koy that follows a Filipino-American family gathering for Easter. Though he and Spielberg never met in person due to the pandemic, Jay received direct notes from the iconic filmmaker.
One of Spielberg’s biggest lessons? Hire the best person for the job, not necessarily the most famous one.
Jay recalled how he initially suggested a well-known actress to play Jo Koy’s mother, assuming that name recognition would help the film’s marketing. However, Spielberg pushed back, insisting that the less-famous actress was the stronger performer.
“It turned out to be the most important decision we made in the movie,” Jay admits. “She absolutely killed it and made the film richer.”
Another key takeaway? Movie stars don’t wear hats. Spielberg advised against allowing Jo Koy to wear a baseball cap in early scenes, saying, “I want to see his eyes.” Jay laughed but acknowledged that Spielberg was right—small details can make a big difference on screen.
Comedy, Nostalgia, and What’s Next
Beyond Easter Sunday, Jay remains passionate about original storytelling over remakes. While he enjoyed directing the Dukes of Hazzard movie, he believes the industry needs more fresh content.
“The only remake I was really excited about was Dukes of Hazzard because I loved the original,” he says. “But after that, I was like, let’s go back to original ideas.”
That philosophy led him to Super Troopers 2, which debuted at #1 in theaters, proving once again that audience support often outweighs critical reception.
As for what’s next? Jay is focused on expanding Vouch Vault and continuing to develop projects that blend humor with smart storytelling.
“I want people to have a platform where they can trust recommendations from people they actually align with,” he says. “No more taking advice from strangers on the street.”
Jay’s Health & Wellness Routine
Despite his busy schedule, Jay prioritizes daily wellness habits to stay grounded. Here’s his routine:
- Morning yoga and stretching: “I use a Gorilla Mat because I’m tall and need space. Stretching is key, especially since I golf almost every day.”
- Meditation: “I do about 10 minutes every morning using the Calm App or FitMind.”
- Short, high-intensity workouts: “I follow an 8-minute exercise app for strength and core work.”
- Intermittent fasting: “I eat my last meal at 8 PM and don’t eat again until after 12 noon the next day.”
And yes, all of these wellness tools are available on his Vouch Vault app for easy access.
Final Thoughts
Jay Chandrasekhar is proving that creativity isn’t just for film—it can also transform industries. Whether it’s revolutionizing how we share recommendations, working with the biggest names in Hollywood, or sticking to his principles in comedy, he continues to push boundaries in every space he enters.
To catch Jay’s latest film, Easter Sunday, hit theaters August 5th. And for a smarter way to find and share your favorite things, download Vouch Vault and start building your list of trusted recommendations today!
For more insightful conversations with inspiring guests, check out the Heal Squad with Maria Menounos podcast. You can listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!
