Nearly two weeks after Saguni's release in over 3000 screens across the globe, actor Karthi is elated by the film’s performance at the box office and director Shankar Dayal also has a positive word for the movie. Recently in Madurai for the promotion of Saguni, Karthi says, “I got this movie after a break of one-and-a-half years and I am very happy that Saguni has crossed Siruthai’s response in just three days.” Noting that he got calls from fellow actors appreciating his performance, he says, “Even some senior actors like Vikram called up to congratulate.”
A masala mix with a political background and a satirical and comical take, Saguni is a perfect blend of action, comedy, romance and heroism. “The comical undertone of Saguni is its real strength. Moreover, a lot of new characters keep coming on the screen every 15 minutes and that keeps the viewer entertained till the end,” says Karthi. “Though it’s a political plot, it is spiced up with necessary ingredients.” Audiences and critics have speculated about the film’s criticism of the prevailing political scenario. Choosing his words carefully, Karthi clarifies,“The story doesn’t pinpoint at any real-life political situation and I definitely don’t intend to enter politics.”
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On his choice for the hero's role, director Shankar Dayal says, “I needed a mass element for the movie as the story was talking of serious issues but with a satirical tone. And Karthi is no doubt a mass element. I knew he could pull it off. And I think he suits the role that’s full of ‘Nakkal’ and ‘Naiyandi’ (satire)”
However, both Shankar Dayal and Karthi hail the hard work of Santhanam. And according to many, one of the main reasons for watching Saguni is the timely jokes and punchy one-liners that Santhanam effortlessly delivers throughout the movie. But Shankar Dayal also seems to have had a hand in the comical aspect of Saguni. His idea of naming the hero Kamala Kannan, Santhanam as Rajini and Pranitha as Sridevi has worked wonders. “The use of these names is an added advantage” says Shankar Dayal.
Karthi is already talking about his next movie. “I and Anushka have been paired in Alex Pandian and we have worked really hard,” he says. He recalls a scene in which he and Anushka fight on a moving train. “At a point in the story, the train stops on a bridge over 130 feet and we are supposed to run on the train.” Santhanam also can be seen in Alex Pandian. “It is an action-comedy pack of which nearly seventy per cent is complete and the movie is due for release in October,” says Karthi.
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Karthi enjoyed his stint on the sets of Saguni, he says. “It was a learning experience working with big names like Radhika, Nazar and Prakash Raj.” On a light note Karthi also adds that he looks forward to work with his bro Suriya in future and that he had dreamt of acting with old-time heroines Jaya Prada and Amala Akkineni. Upon his special connection with Madurai, Karthi says, “I started my film career in Madurai and my first movie Paruthiveeran was based here. I still remember the days when I was practising the Madurai slang.”
And finally, to show his efficiency in delivering dialogues and to entertain fans, he spells out the famous one-liner from Saguni that has caught on with young people: Ennaya un vaayi, eera penaakki, penai perumaalaakki, perumaalaye pitchai edukka vachuruve pola.