‘Ponniin Selvan’ fever has started. The rush is on, bookings. Mani Ratnam, who is directing the film, Vikram, Karthi, Jayam Ravi, Aishwarya Rai, Trisha and others are PCs in the promotion. We spoke to Sarathkumar, the ‘big hitman’ who is on a shoot in Kerala.
How did you come to be in the story of ‘Bonniin Selvan’?
I acted in ‘Vanam Kottatum’ produced by Madras Talkies with Mani Ratna. Mani Ratnam Appappa had come and seen. One day he suddenly called. He asked, ‘Are you playing the role of a big villain in Ponni’s Selvan?’ I had read that novel too, so I immediately agreed. Physique is important for that character. Later I realized that he had called me because I was suitable. There is great joy in this film. His performance in the direction was even better.
A great villain, an important character in the story…
Every character is important for this film. Each has a strong backstory. So is the character of the great destroyer. This is the central character. He is a hero with 64 marks. A minor king who ruled Pavuor. Right hand of Sundara Chola. He falls in love and marries Nandini. What happens after that is the story.
Sounds like a bit of a negative character?
No… When you look at it, you can see that there is some kind of conspiracy. Then the truth of those who do good for the country will come to light.
Aishwarya Rai paired with you…
Nandiniya has acted. Miss World Best actress. She is the right actress for that character. ‘He is not infatuated with beauty’ such is his character. They have given a lot of money and hard work for this film.
In general, in some of the song scenes, you have appeared in the royal era. What was it like to act in a historical fiction for the first time?
Was happy. We enjoyed reading and it was a new experience to play the character of a novel. Acting was more than satisfying. We did what the director said. So he is happy too.
There are many actors in the film. The acting experience of such a big ‘star cast’?
It is a sweet experience to think about. Everyone is a hero in this. Meeting all of them in one place and acting with them was definitely new. The shooting spot will also be fun. While doing the ‘script reading’, everyone has realized how to act. This film is important to everyone who has acted, so we acted with a lot of feeling.
How about the scenes for you and the little reaper?
Parthiban has done a great job in that character. His character is very caring towards me and the country. He says not to trust Nandini. He and I have small conflicts. That would be interesting.
We enjoyed reading and it was a new experience to play the character of a novel. Acting was more than satisfying.