Sarath Kumar, better known as ‘Appani’ Sarath, bulldozed his way onto the silver screen as the terrorising Appani Ravi in the blockbuster Angamaly Diaries. Even before his hard-boiled début last year, the 26-year-old from Aruvikkara had been leading an active life in theatre. So it doesn’t come as a surprise that his favourites spots in the city turn out to be Maanaveeyam Veedhi, where he has been part of numerous street plays, andplaces in and around his alma mater, Salvation Army Higher Secondary School, in Kowdiar where he spent evenings with friends “discussing and dissecting” plays and movies. Kowdiar Park, a stone’s throw away from his school, is also on top of his list.
“I have a special attachment to Kowdiar where I spent many memorable days during my school days. As a theatreperson, Maanaveeyam Veedhi is one open place in the city that gave me a platform for creative expression,” says Appani, who did his post-grduation in Theatre from Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady. Though currently residing in Kochi, Appani says he often travels to the capital city since his parents stay here.
A scene during a street play performance by Abhinaya theatre group at Manaveeyam Veedhi
The Kumaranasan Memorial off the National Highway near Mangalapuram is a place Appani used to pay solitary visits to. “There are a lot of good books there and I used to love finding a nice quiet place to sit and devour plays,” says Appani, who is fond of works by late playwright and actor Narendra Prasad. Despite the hustle and bustle, Aristo Junction is yet another hang-out spot with friends for the actor, where, again, the topic of conversation “veers to cinema and theatre.”
Appani cherishes “delightful memories” during the making of his second film, Velipadinte Pusthakam , which was predominantly shot at St. Xavier’s College, Thumba.
Appani, most recently seen in a small role in Mani Ratnam’s C hekka Chivantha Vaanam , has his own theatre group, Theatrelife, based in Ernakulam. Having been part of several theatre groups, including city-based Abhinaya, he calls for allocating more “open spaces” like Manaveeyam Veedhi for aspiring theatrepersons in the city.
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