After working 24x7 in a quest to make people laugh, funnyman Santhanam is finally working at a comfortable pace. He’s shooting for his second film as hero and has signed up as comedian for just a handful of movies, most of them with established stars. “I’ve finally managed to achieve that elusive work-life balance,” he smiles.
Vallavanukku Pullum Aayudham , in which Santhanam turned hero, did good business and showed people that he could dance and send the baddies flying. That has given him the confidence to try his luck as hero again. The yet-untitled film will be directed by his Lollu Sabha writer-friends Murugan and Anand, who have also worked in advertising. “It’s a rom-com that is targeted at today’s social media-driven youth. It will speak about their mindset and try and set a new formula,” says Santhanam. Playing the leading ladies are his Vallavanukku heroine Ashna Zaveri and Akhila Kishore, who won audiences with her act in Kathai Thiraikathai Vasanam Iyakkam . Lending some weight to the proceedings will be Thambi Ramaiah, Rohini and Karunakaran.
His third project as hero is in the script discussion stage.
Other than this, Santhanam is part of Superstar’s Lingaa , Siva’s Ajith starrer, Sundar C’s Aambala and a chosen clutch of other movies. “The film with Siva was decided during Veeram itself. As for Rajini sir, he’s a genius and I’m his die-hard fan. I’ve learnt so many life lessons from him. He’s so philosophical and spiritual, and that’s rubbing off on me. His experience, script choices… there’s so much to listen to and imbibe,” says Santhanam.
The actor says that cutting down on work is helping him recoup and come up with fresh ideas. “Earlier, I was just not able to sleep well. I would keep thinking of what to do next and how different I can get. Now, I’m more relaxed; I spend time at home. Money alone does not matter. I’m still in my 30s. I need not get greedy. I've decided to slow down,” he says.
And so, Santhanam has made it a point to do films that appeal to him — “ Rasikara, nesikara script,” as he puts it.
It helps that he has a huge circle of friends who encourage him. There’s director Rajesh and actors Arya and Simbu, among others. Santhanam says they backed him when he decided to turn hero. His gamble paid off. “Earlier, I was just seen on the comedy channels. This Vinayaka Chathurthi, I was delighted that my Vallavanukku was shown on a movie channel!”
