People should leave caste outside the cinema hall, says Sasikumar

Sasikumar comes to us with Asuravadham, a film he says will justify the violence in the title

Published - June 29, 2018 04:04 pm IST

“Is this the last one?” asks a tired Sasikumar after a long day of a dozen interviews. “If it doesn’t end with this one, then it will be my end,” he jokes. Excerpts from the actor-director’s last interview of the day:

After several films set in a rural space, is Asuravadham set in a city?

It’s set in a town this time; in Kodaikanal and Dindigul. My character is that of a person who leaves behind his town to go work in the Gulf but has to come back after a particular incident.

When you’re listening to a script, what are the things that make you switch off?

I try to be blank and listen to it completely without interrupting. I like listening to all kinds of scripts, even if I’ve realised that the film might not suit me.

Are there scripts you’ve really liked which you have rejected?

Yes, many. A comedy script, for instance. I might have enjoyed it but I just cannot picture myself in it. When I perform in a comedy scene, the joke’s usually end up on me. I cannot convincingly pull off a great comedy role. That’s what happened with Balle Vellaiyathevaa, a good comedy that would have worked much better with another actor. I think it was my fault for choosing to do it.

What about a film set in Chennai? We rarely see you in such roles.

Doesn’t a city as big as Chennai have all kinds of people living here? But I’m rarely offered city-based roles, like that of an IT employee.

Why is that?

People who come to me with scripts have a fixed image about me. They are not able to separate me from my roles in films such as Sundarapandian, Kutti Puli and Naadogigal . It’s not their job to change my image. Asuravadham is a small departure from the kind of roles I have done so far.

So, how do you react when filmmakers pitch a script to you starting with ‘it’s set in a village...’?

If I were to reject every rural film that comes my way, then I will be sitting at home waiting for a really long time. As an actor, I must make at least one effort to do a different kind of role. If it works, then you will start getting films of that type and your image widens to accommodate those films. But it is up to an actor to change his image. Perhaps, I must change direct a film myself if I want to change it.

Violence is a major part in many of your films. Asuravadham ... the title itself shouts of violence.

(Laughs) Violence kandippa irukum ma (violence will surely be a part of my films). Asuravadham will have violence too but it will be justified. Just like how people got up from their seats and clapped for the decapitation scene in Subramaniapuram , this film too will have scenes where the violence is essential. But that does not mean I condone violence in real life.

Don’t you feel like you need a break from such subjects?

Haven’t I done it before? Didn’t I exchange my kaththi (knife) for a poo (flower) in Bramman? But the audience were the ones who asked me to take my flower and leave.

At times, in films like Sundarapandian , one finds scenes where a particular caste is glorified...

I don’t think I have ever supported caste in my films. When I listen to a script, I trust the director or writer to set the film in a background that is convincing and original to the region. I insist that there should be no caste glorification. I have not done it intentionally but if there are scenes that can be perceived that way, all I can do is apologise and ensure I don’t repeat it. People assign a caste to a film based on the hero’s name in it. In Asuravadham , you’ll find that we don’t name the hero at all. No one should bring their caste and religion into the cinema hall.

When you were directing Subramaniapuram (2008), did you feel you would become a full-fledged actor?

Not at all. I only wanted to direct.

Can we call your foray into acting a ‘distraction’ then?

A lot of families watch my films and they seem to like me. Isn’t that a bonus? I’ve separated the two clearly; I won’t direct when I’m acting and I won’t act when I’m directing.

But couldn’t you have directed at least 10 films by now?

Not 10. Perhaps, 5 or 6. But I will surely direct again. I continue to write between films and I have three completed scripts with me.

When will you direct again?

I have four films to complete as an actor. That’s all. After that, it’s only direction for me.

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