''BOTH MY UNCLES, FOR THAT MATTER, RAJINI CHITHAPPA AND ANIRUDH’S DAD ARE EQUALLY ENCOURAGING.''
Tell us about your role in Dharmadurai
I feel very lucky to have performed alongside Vijay Sethupathi
It’s a role of a cop.I’m not allowed to reveal much more than that. It comes at a very important juncture in the movie. If you had already seen the teaser you would have noticed that the last shot is a shot of mine. The fact that it has a place in the teaser should tell you that it has a very important placement. I feel very lucky to have performed alongside Vijay Sethupathi, Aishwarya Rajesh, and Radhika aunty. I think it’s fantastic for a first film to get this kind of a combination.
What are the incidents that paved your entry into cinema?
The director, Seenu Ramasamy, had come to watch my play Perumale.
The director, Seenu Ramasamy, had come to watch my play Perumale. He really liked my performance and told that he will surely offer me a part in his next film. And he kept his word. Though cinema wasn’t something I went after, I was always ready to take up a good role that comes my way. I wish to place on record my sincere thanks to the director of my play, Sureshwar and the writer of the play G.Radhakrishnan.
We hear you are also part of Arya’s next.
I will not be playing the role of a tribal in that film
Yes I’m part of Arya’s next directed by Raghavan sir and what’s special there is, I’m acting with my dad in that film. So I feel special about the fact that my second film is my first film with my dad. Again I can’t reveal much about my role in that film also. But I will not be playing the role of a tribal in that film. It’s a totally different character than what I’ve done in Dharmadurai. Both the films came my way and offered interesting roles.
Any other project that has come your way?
I’m open to listen to anybody who is willing to approach me with a role
Actually nothing at the moment. I’ve really not made any extra effort towards cinema. But now that everyone knows that I’ve come into cinema, I’m open to listen to anybody who is willing to approach me with a role. Because, all this while, there was this doubt people had if I would be willing to act in movies. That was a big question mark. But I had always maintained that if a challenging role comes my way, I’ll take it up. That’s what happened with Raghavan sir and Seenu Ramaswamy sir.
It should have been easy for you, but what did you have to do to adapt to a cop role?
All credits are due to Seenu sir for helping me
Oh, Seenu sir made it so comfortable for me. He guided me throughout the act, and gave me the freedom to do it in my style. He gave me the little tips required to transform from theatre to cinema. All credits are due to Seenu sir for helping me make that transformation.
While talking to you, you don’t strike me as a ‘Merattal’ cop?
Meratanum na nalla merattuven
Meratanum na nalla merattuven… In fact the latest play that I’m doing is E.Va.Ka, which is an out and out political satire, where I play a lady politician. So you can imagine how ‘Merattal’ I can be (laughs out loud). Whether I’m merattal in Dharmadurai, only you guys, as the audience, should tell me. But I’m sure Dharmadurai as a film will be 100% merattal.
Give us a feel of the family bonding you enjoy with Superstar Rajinikanth.
Rajini sir and Anirudh’s dad are equally encouraging.
We are a very closely knit family.Not that we meet up every day, we don’t speak on the phone everyday… But we know we’re there for each other. Come what may, we always stand for each other. I’m very lucky to have such supportive uncles. Both my uncles, for that matter, Rajini sir and Anirudh’s dad are equally encouraging.
What did Rajini sir have to say when you told him you were going to act?
“Very good. Pannunga. Seenu Ramasamy is an intelligent director”. This is what he told me. He was one of the first few people whom I shared the news with. So he gave his blessings and encouragement. More than that, what else do you need?
So can it be said that Rajinikanth is closely observing all the directors in the industry?
Still everybody’s worried about releasing their films because Kabali is releasing right?
Oh yes! He doesn’t show it, but he knows and is extremely sharp about it. That is why he has been ruling the industry for what, 45 years now? Still everybody’s worried about releasing their films because Kabali is releasing right? Who else has that power? I’m also waiting as one of his biggest fans for Kabali.
One director whose work impressed you a lot
I respect the work of each and every director
I respect the work of each and every director because I totally understand that each person has his own perspective and style of filmmaking. I’ve always admired Vetri Maaran's films and would love to be a part of his movie. And of course, Mani Ratnam. Who could refuse a chance to be a part of his film?
What was it like working with Vijay Sethupathi and Arya?
Vijay Sethupathi is a thorough gentleman.
Vijay Sethupathi is a thorough gentleman. He had so much respect and regard for my dad. That he had so much respect for theatre and theatre actors, impressed me a lot. Arya is such a jolly, feel good person. My acting schedule with him has started and has been going on now and I find it nice to be working with him. Both of them, it seems, have immense respect not for who I am, but for who my dad is. I was able to see the respect my dad has gathered in the industry then.
