“FEW DIRECTORS ASKED ME TO LEARN HINDI TO CAST ME IN HINDI FILMS”

Sila Samayangalil directed by Priyadarshan features Prakash Raj, Ashok Selvan, Sriya Reddy and others. It is produced by Prabhu Deva Studios and Think Big Studios. The film has been lapping appreciations in many festival circuits and in the recently held 9th annual Jaipur International Film Festival, Sila Samayangalil won awards for Best Film with a Global Message, Best Upcoming Release and the overall Best Film from the Asian Continent award. We spoke to Ashok Selvan who was present at the festival to know his reactions.

How was the response for Sila Samayangalil?
The response was tremendous. I had been to LA Golden Globe screening too. There was a drastic change from the way the audience responded there and here. There was so much local flavor here. We had a standing ovation. People came and appreciated me. Few directors even asked me to learn Hindi so that they can cast me in Hindi films. All in all, it was a good reception.

How was it working in the film?
I have not done some 100 films to answer this but it was my best working experience. Till now, I have mostly worked with newcomers only. In that sense, it was drastically different working with a legend like Priyadarshan sir.  He knew exactly what he wanted. I went with an open mind. I had a different kind of preparation for this. I tried spontaneity more in this film. It was great working with the entire team, Prakash Raj sir, AL Vijay sir and the location too.  I really miss the place we shot in. It was a film set in Chennai.

When will be the theatrical release?
Vijay sir wanted the film to go to festival circuits before its theatrical release. I think it’s done its share and now he must be planning on a right date.

Tell us something about the film
The film is about AIDS. There is a lot of awareness embedded in it. There are no separate dialogues or preachings but there are many layers in it. Whoever understands his layer, will take home a message in that direction. There are many take aways in the movie too which is surely Priyadarshan sir’s magic. Initially, he wanted to make an awareness film, but he felt it may not work well with the audience. So he made the script an entertaining one. Sila Samayangalil will be highly engaging and entertaining with a message. There is a notion that this film is serious, dry and arty kind, but it is not so.

Here is wishing you the best Ashok Selvan!

Jyothsna Bhavanishankar

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