Ashwin Kakumanu: Aiming high

With no back-up in the industry or a godfather, Ashwin Kakumanu has  indeed come a long way. Now, he has become a reliable hero for medium-budget films. The tall and handsome actor, who’s awaiting the release of Zero, says he had no inhibitions taking up a film with such a title. “I am not superstitious and it didn’t strike me in the beginning that it was something negative or cynical. But zero has a great significance to the story and you will get to know when you watch it,” he says adding the film has different genres.

“You can’t classify the film  under a particular genre. It has no comedy, but there is romance and a bit of supernatural factor. Director Shiv Mohaa never compromised on his vision of the core theme. When he narrated the script in an abstract manner, I couldn’t visualise it then. But eventually, everything fell in place,” he tells us.

Heaping praise on his co-star Sshivada, he says she’s immensely talented — “She’s quite focused on the sets too.” Speaking about his mentor Gautham Menon, Ashwin says, “It is any newcomer’s dream to work with Gautham sir. In fact, I had auditioned for Vinnai Thaandi Varuvaaya, for a role but I didn’t get it. However, when he appraoched me for Nadunissi Naaigal, I didn’t want to let go of the opportunity, although he told me clearly that it was a small role. It was a great learning experience.” Currently, Ashwin is busy with a couple of films including Thollai Kaatchi and Thiri. “I want to do good roles and films with good content,” Ashwin signs off.