Arunya CG / Guru Somasundaram
Guru Somasundaram arrived as Shibu in Minnal Murali, disregarding the notion of villainous costumes as the regular role of Malayalees. ‘For 28 years I did not even know how to say it.’ Guru Somasundaram’s tearless face, sincere smile and love for Usha all set him apart. Somewhere along the way, Shibu came a step ahead of the hero. Guru Somasundaram is overjoyed when a villain gets so much acceptance and love from Malayalam.
The new villain, the best character, Shibu has been taken over by the audience. What do you think?
I’m very happy. He is now happy to have starred in a film like Minnal Murali and to have been a part of the Basil and Tovino partnership. Shibu’s character was accepted and loved by all. I knew that there would be reviews and comments about Shibu and the movie.
But I did not expect people to take my character so seriously. All of this happened quite unexpectedly. It is a great pleasure to receive so much support from the Malayalees.
He was a theatrical actor. What about coming to acting?
I started acting at the age of 27. Was active in plays. In 2011, he acted in Thyagarajan Kumararaja’s Tamil film Aranyakandam. There was no great acting passion at that time. But Aranyakandam got good reviews. Then slowly he started making more movies. He has been a part of some good films in his career like Pandyanad and Joker.
How did Guru Somasundaram become Shibu of Minnal Murali?
Director Basil Joseph called Minnal Murali directly. It happens when you are in the shooting of another movie. Basil went straight to the point and told the story. Loved hearing the story so much. And immediately committed.
Guru Somasundaram himself provided the voice for Shibu. Language problem?
When he decided to act in Minnal Murali, he did not know Malayalam. Then when the role was confirmed, he decided to learn the language. The movie will start in 2019. I had time to learn Malayalam for three months. I was very comfortable on the shooting set after learning the language. He would speak in Malayalam to everyone else on the shooting set.
What about director Basil Joseph?
Basil Joseph is cool. The cool man could be seen on the set as well. I have never been to such a fun shooting site before. Basil has a very responsible job. He will have precise planning for anything. But there is always a smile on Basil’s face. That is the uniqueness.
There are many opinions about his love for Usha. Have you fallen in love in real life?
There has never been a serious romance as seen in the movie. I fell in love with girls when I was in sixth and seventh grade during my school days. But I was afraid to say. That’s what happened to Shibu.
Chemistry with Tovino Thomas in the movie?
Tovino Thomas is like a brother to me. The physical challenges in the film were mostly for Tovino. In many ways, Tovino was more of a challenge than I was. He handled it all well.
Future movies?
I want to be a part of good movies whether it is Malayalam or Tamil. After Minnal Murali, I will be seen in the Malayalam movie Chattambi. The shooting is all over. The shooting was in Idukki. The film also comes with a good team. He is also a part of Mohanlal’s Burrows. I was lucky enough to act with him.
Do you want to be active in cinema?
Film is my job. The truth is that despite being a playwright, there is no time to do it now. But I go to see good plays. When the second part of Lightning arrives, he wants to act. But it is up to the director and the producer to decide. When the second part arrives, lots of joy when given the opportunity.
Story Highlights : teacher somasundaram, Interview