Bharath has worked on three to four films a year until now. But this year, the actor has changed his strategy.
“I have such faith in 555 ( Ayinthu Ayinthu Ayinthu ) that I have decided to give it all my time. I haven't signed up for any other project,” says Bharath.
His decision to allot all his dates to one film shows the importance he attaches to 555 being directed by Sasi of Poo fame. But what was the need to take such a crucial decision when he could easily make four times the money doing four different projects?
“After my last film, which did not do well at the box office, I took time and analysed the situation. I realised I needed a big break in my career — a sure-shot winner. It was then I decided I should next work only on a film I totally believed in, even if that meant waiting for six to eight months for a good script. Then, 555 happened.”
Commenting on 555 , he says, “The script is unique and Sasi, who is trying his hand at an action thriller for the first time, has been working on it for the last four years. It does not have a message in particular, but is inspired by a real-life incident. The film is so titled because these three numbers are crucial to the storyline. I will be sporting two different looks in the film. We have been working on it for almost a year and have another two months of work left. I play a software professional, and Santhanam plays my brother. Chandini, who is from the U.S., plays the heroine. Santhanam is in the film not just for comedy's sake; his is an important role as well.”
Comedians vs. heroes
Talking about Santhanam, how does he react to the fact that comedians today have grown so much in stature that they are dangerously close to overshadowing a hero's performance? Does it cause any discomfort? Says Bharath, “To be honest, it doesn't. Be it success or failure, it is always attributed to the hero. There may be scenes or sequences in which the comedian's contribution is more than that of the hero, but then, those scenes are required to entertain the audience. We need to take that in the right spirit. At the end of the day, if that contributes to the success of the film, why not have it?”
Technically speaking, Bharath has another film, Thiruthani , releasing this year. But the actor says he had finished work on it long ago. “ Thiruthani is due for release in May. It is my second film with Perarasu after Pazhani . I play a gym instructor in this film. What's special about Thiruthani is it has a social message. It urges those with a healthy body and mind to contribute in some way towards ensuring justice in society. Sunaina is paired with me in the film and Rajkiran has done an important role after a long time,” he says.
Wedding bells?
When most of his counterparts are either getting married or announcing their wedding plans, Bharath has been silent. Ask him about it, and he says, “If I find the right partner, I'll probably tie the knot next year.” Will it be a love marriage? “If I find the right person, why not? In case I don't find her, it will be an arranged marriage,” he explains. Does that mean he already has someone in mind? “No. The problem I face is most girls feel insecure about dating an actor. I consider love marriage better than an arranged one. You get to understand your partner better.”
