Sampath known for his baritone and memorable performances in films like Saroja and Aaranya Kandam, will soon be seen in VTV Ganesh’s Sakka Podu Podu Raja in an important role. He talks about the film and his hiatus from Tamil cinema.
How did you come on board Sakka Podu Podu Raja?
VTV Ganesh approached me and Santhanam also called me and said – “anna, we can’t think of anybody other than you in this role. It would be nice if you did”. I heard the story and agreed.
What would be your role like?
I play the brother of the heroine in the film. The movie totally revolves around the sister and the brother. It is a very strong, important and central character in the movie. There is a huge scope for performance and ample screen space.
My character, for the onlookers, it will be funny, but for me it will be serious. Excepting me, everyone in the film will be fun-loving. My role will start off as a negative one, but will end up not being one.
Why are we not seeing you in Tamil?
I did not get good scripts in Tamil earlier. Besides, I have been very busy in Telugu. In Tamil, I am already an established artist and I don’t have to come and prove my capability here. But at the same time, I don’t want to do anything because it is coming.
In Tamil, people think that I am pricey before they even attempt to call me. It is not the truth; not that I am being paid peanuts in Telugu but it is definitely not as expensive as the market thinks I am.
However, I am hearing many good scripts in Tamil now. Let’s see!
How would be Sakka Podu Podu Raja?
We have completed 30 to 40%. It is a fun film, an absolute time pass. You can come to the theatre; have a good laugh for 2.5 hours and go. I personally feel, in today’s stressful scenario, Sakka Podu Podu Raja will be a typical paisa vasool entertainment.
Jyothsna Bhavanishankar