Dulquer Salman is ‘cool’ as the ban and controversy surrounding the ‘Salute’ OTD release is heating up in the country. Far away in the cold of Dehradun! The shooting of Dulquar’s first web series is in progress at various locations there. When asked about his entry into the web series, he replied that it was not the time to reveal the details. When ‘Kurup’ was released last November, those who hailed Dulquer as the savior of the collapsed theaters in Kovid reacted cautiously to the fact that he had been banned for more than three months.
‘Kurup was introduced to the theater and just because it was a success, the theater owners did not have to give me any special consideration. I know they have to take a stand when Salute is released on OT. There have been similar issues before when the films went for the OTD release. The OT release of Salute is not intended to offend theater owners or audiences. All the actors want their own films to come to the theater. I also regret that I lost the thrill, joy and anxiety of the first day reactions that the film would have received if it had reached the theaters. The OT release of Salute is for unavoidable reasons.
A strong police role excites both the star and the fans. In that sense, shouldn’t SI Anand Karunakaran have come to the theaters?
The salute was made last March. At that point there was no clear idea of when the theaters would open. Therefore, the salute was not intended for theatrical release. Even the songs were omitted by this. Its shooting and allied work was done with the utmost certainty to the OTD. But later, when the theaters opened, they tried for a big screen release. By then the Omicon wave had arrived. Crisis again. Then came the problem of not getting a good date for the release. Sony Live had an advance agreement that the film would be released on OTD if the theatrical release did not take place within the stipulated time. The contract to release the film this financial year also led to the OTT release.
ആദ്യമായി For the first time with Roshan Andrews. Expectations of salute?
I really wanted the picture with Roshan Andrews and Bobby-Sanjay. We had discussed many ideas for this. Excited to hear the story of Salute. The film is another crime thriller. It’s not just cinematic, it’s sure to convey the feel of a true story. Salute has the power of good family drama beyond crime.
യും Fans are waiting for the movie where Mammootty and Dulquar will be together. Many ask if Dulquar could not have played the role of Saubin Shahir in Bhishma?
Saubin has made Ajaz Ali of Bhishma a good original. I really enjoyed it. I also want to act with Vapichi (Mammootty). But he has to think about it too. There is a good intention behind saying no to the film together for the time being. The idea is that when two people do different films, both of them will have their own personalities and careers in cinema. But I also want to be with him on screen sometime, sometime.
There is a criticism that Dulquer does not take full advantage of the best opportunities in Malayalam, even when focusing on foreign language films which are not very successful. Is the goal of being a Pan Indian player a goal?
Never. I have no such thought or plan. I want to use all kinds of opportunities. I do not think so. I’m not the only one who goes after commercial movies. This is a generation that wants more life experiences and happiness. I would love to see and study the film industry in other states. That is the main reason behind going to different languages. I have already been accused of not doing much movies. I think that’s good, too. Because, wouldn’t it be ‘over-saturated’ to be in a picture every two months?
വേ ‘Way Fair Films’ Expectations? Making a lot of small pictures?
I want to make very good movies. By the time I got into film I had a lot of opportunities as an actor. Not all newcomers to the film industry deserve it. There are stars and movies that do not get an entry despite the core. Wayfair Films will try to provide opportunities for them. In our country, many small films have become huge films with great success. It is a matter of pride to make such films. There are a lot of good films stagnant after Kovid. The desire is that they should be able to reach out, including in distribution.
Does not learning Malayalam make it difficult?
Since I studied in Chennai, I can read and write Tamil. Hindi was the second language. To teach Malayalam, my mother has even given me a children’s book to read. I will read though a little slow. Malayalam is spoken only at home. But thinking is mostly in English. When giving interviews, I think in English and reply in Malayalam. It’s a bit of a stretch.