Role play

Actor Indrans dons the role of a lifetime in R. Sarath’s new film Buddhan Chirikkunnu

February 27, 2014 04:39 pm | Updated May 18, 2016 11:10 am IST - Thiruvananthapuram

Indrans in Buddhan Chirikkunnu

Indrans in Buddhan Chirikkunnu

Of late, Indrans seems to be on an experimental streak. The actor, a veteran of over 200 films in Malayalam and known for his rail thin figure and distinctively voice as he is for his sense of comic timing, is stepping out of his comfort zone, to give full rein to his histrionic skills. For only the second time in his 30-year-long career, the costumier-turned-actor plays a lead role in R. Sharath’s Buddhan Chirikkunnu , a tribute to legendary comedian Charlie Chaplin, in the centenary year of his entry into films. Indrans stars as Indraguptan, a small-time actor and an ardent fan of the Little Master. For a sequence in the film, Indrans even dons Chaplin’s signature garb from the movie The Tramp , complete with a toothbrush moustache, baggy clothes and a bowler hat!

“I’m thrilled to be doing such a different role,” says the soft-spoken actor, as MetroPlus catches up with him while he is shooting the second schedule of Buddan Chirikkunnu . “I’m also a tad nervous because, as the lead actor, the onus is squarely on my shoulders. When you are acting in supporting roles, you don’t really need to be concerned about the big picture. You only have to give your role, however big or small, the best shot. But I believe that if you’re true to your craft, then you can overcome any hurdle,” adds the actor, who first debuted in the lead as a political activist in Suddharil Sudhan (2009).

Indrans, who runs a tailoring centre in the city, made his foray into films as an assistant costume designer. He made his debut as a costumier with Sammelanam (1985). His first on-screen role was a small appearance in the Prem Nazir film Choodattam . He went on to endear himself to Malayali audiences with roles in movies as different as Aagneyam , CID Unnikrishnan B.A., B. Ed , Kathavesheshan and Kathaparayumbol and is a favourite of many directors, particularly auteurs Adoor Gopalakrishnan, M.P. Sukumaran and the late Padmarajan. “I’ve never really had big dreams in cinema. I am just glad that I can do whatever roles have come my way,” says the 57-year-old.

Perhaps that’s why Indrans doesn’t seem too fazed about enacting Chaplin on screen. “I’ve given Indraguptan my best shot and the director seems to be happy with what I’ve done. So, I’m not unduly worried. Then again, Buddhan Chirikkunnu is not Chaplin’s autobiography. It’s the story of an ordinary man’s extraordinary passion for Chaplin and how it affects his career and his family life,” explains the actor.

Indrans also had a distinctive role in last year’s Pottaas Bomb . Although the film was a dud at the box office, the actor piqued the interest of cine-goers for his role of a terrorist who turns saviour for a bunch of youngsters. “There’s something exciting about doing characters with grey shades. I’m not choosy, but I would like to do more such roles,” he says.

Up next for the actor is a significant role in Madhav Ramdas’ Apothecary , where he plays the role of Jayasurya’s father. Also up are interesting roles in upcoming films by Sajeev Pazhoor and Shibu Gangadharan.

0 / 0
Sign in to unlock member-only benefits!
  • Access 10 free stories every month
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments.

We have migrated to a new commenting platform. If you are already a registered user of The Hindu and logged in, you may continue to engage with our articles. If you do not have an account please register and login to post comments. Users can access their older comments by logging into their accounts on Vuukle.