Working in Mani's film is a landmark for actors

Sarathkumar, who was recently seen essaying powerful roles in Thalapathy Vijay’s Varisu and cop thriller Por Thozil, is unstoppable in his latest innings. He’s signing back to back films, but is very clear about his career ambitions. In an interview, he talks about his experience of working with Mani Rathnam in Ponniyin Selvan and Vijay in Varisu.

You are on a roll after your sabbatical. Didn’t you miss the camera?

It would be a lie if I said I didn’t miss the camera but I wouldn’t say it’s a total sabbatical. I did stay away because my political activity took prominence. Then I thought, in this age of technology, you can be relevant in the political arena too by using your social media handles and then having a couple of appearances in a month would do. So, I started accepting movies as the profession which gave me my bread and butter was films.

Did you expect a stupendous response to the movie Por Thozhil?

I played a very tough cop, a very interesting character, because he had a past and he was abused during childhood and, the character of Loganathan seemed arrogant, but he is clear and sure about what he does. I definitely didn’t expect such a stupendous response. But I did know that director Vignesh Raja will make a mark. I knew this would be a successful film, but I never expected such a response.

How was it working with Vijay in Varisu?

When Vamsi narrated Varisu script to me, I realised how pivotal Rajendran’s character was which gave me exposure to the next generation of audience like Vijay’s audience. It was great working with Vijay, who’s a total professional.

How did you land a role in Ponniyin Selvan?

I worked in Vaanam Kottatum, directed by an another associate of Mani Ratnam. I also worked in Kitty’s Dasarathan, directed by Mani Ratnam’s Alayam productions. I would see Mani coming to the sets only once. But in Vaanam Kottatum, I saw him visiting the sets couple of times. I would wonder but did not give it a deep thought. But later, he called me and said that I will be doing Periya Pazhuvettarayar in Ponniyin Selvan, which was a pleasant surprise and I was really happy to work with Mani.  

You are a family of actors. What do you discuss at the dinner table?

Well, Radhika and me don’t discuss films at home unless it is essential that we need to have an opinion. Varu (actress Varalaxmi) does tell us about her movies because we are little concerned about what she does so she can keep being relevant in all her films and improve her performance. Me, Radhika and Varu, we are doing a film. The subject is ready, we’re waiting for all our dates to match. I have a line-up of movies — Criminal, Nana and another on September 1. But I am planning my film releases to ensure people don’t get bored with my cop roles.