I’m not competing with Kovai Sarala, let her win: Saranya Ponvannan

Saranya Ponvannan, the most sought-after screen mother of K’town heroes, has for the first time embraced a full-fledged comedy titled Itli. The national award winner tells DC that although comedy is a new area for her, she was not apprehensive about her costars, especially about sharing the screen with humour specialist Kovai Sarala.

She says, “It is an unusual script, a full-fledged comedy. Even in movies where I have done comedy, the scenes were serious. But Itli’s comic elements are totally different.” Saranya adds, “As far as I am concerned, this movie has created a lot of buzz and many people are calling and asking about the film.” Does she have any qualms playing a grandma’s role? “I am not bothered about my on-screen reputation. I was more worried about how we could justify being called a paati — when you call someone paati she should look like one.

But director Vidyadharan was confident that he can pull it off!”Kovai Sarala is loud and attention seeking in her movies. Asked if this intimidated her at any point during the shoot, she replied, “Not at all! I am planning to stay one step lower than her. I don’t know this area. Let her win. I’m not competing with her. I am doing what I was asked to do.”