chatline Actor Karthi talks about what it's like to play a politician in ‘Shakuni'
Meet Karthi the politician. After playing a lovable village ruffian, a suave city lad, a pick pocket and an honest-to-goodness cop, the actor is all set to play a politician on screen.
“Post- Siruthai , I only got to listen to cop stories and took a conscious decision to wait for something different. That's when Shakuni happened. It's a breezy entertainer set in a political background. And my character growth is interesting — a vibhuti -sporting boy from Karaikudi who enters the big bad city and goes through a transformation,” says the actor in a telephone interview.
The gap between the two films has his fans looking forward to Shakuni . “Ah, expectation. That worries me,” he says. Speaking about Pranita, his co-star, Karthi says, “She's good. She's picked up the language and does not get rattled when the lines are changed at the last minute. Pranita is a great dancer and very committed to work.” While doing Shakuni , Karthi has also shot for Suraj's Alex Pandian co-starring Anushka Shetty. The film is slated for release soon.
Karthi says he's glad to be working at a time when interesting films are being made and new directors are experimenting with themes. “I took up Saguni impressed with the narration. It is all about fighting, but with a high level of intelligence. It is a film that strives to be different within the commercial format.” As for the eternal actor versus star debate, Karthi says it is like choosing between salt and pepper. “You need both. An actor can't only do entertainers. When a strong script comes along, you have to take it up.” Another Malligadu ? “Why not?” he asks. Though Na Peru Shiva did very well at the box office, there was criticism about the excessive violence in the film. “While making it, we never realised how raw the violence was. It was only in the theatres that we felt the full impact. Families react badly to on-screen violence. Now, I've decided to tone down the violence in my films, considering so many children watch them,” he says. “Kids seem to think I am some kind of Chhota ‘Bada' Bheem !” Veer to the topic of his marriage, and Karthi's voice takes on a mellow tone. “Marriage changed me. Life's all about striking a balance. Earlier, I would discuss only films. Now, there's so much to speak about. It takes extra planning to juggle family and work, but it's worth it. It's nice to have a friend at home. Ranjini is that friend,” he says.
subha j. rao
