Kovai Sarala is the new Aachi Manorama: Sasikumar

Actor-filmmaker-producer Sasikumar, last seen in a violent role in Kidaari, has chosen a contrasting film next — a family comedy entertainer Balle Vellayathevaa. Even as he gears up for its release, he talks to DC about the movie, experimenting genres, the dearth of female comedians, and also his awe for co-star ‘Kovai’ Sarala!

On the intriguing title

Balle Vellayathevaa is a rural comedy set in southern Tamil Nadu. In the villages, they use a colloquial term ‘Sabaash’ to encourage people; similarly ‘Balle’ is also used to motivate those who do something good! It’s also a dialogue used by late thespian Sivaji sir in the film Veerapandiya Kattabomman. In this film, ‘Kovai’ Sarala madam uses it quite often!

THE CRUX of the story

I essay the son of a postmaster played by Rohini madam, who wants him to take up a government job. Meanwhile, she is transferred to another village and meets the character ‘Selfie’ Kaathayi, a paatti portrayed by Kovai Sarala! What happens from thereon forms the crux. But, as misquoted by many — Sarala ma’am does not play my grandma.

On ‘Kovai’ Sarala

There is a dearth of female comedians in Tamil cinema. When director Prakash narrated the script, the first person who came to my mind was the late Aachi Manorama. Then we felt no one but ‘Kovai’ Sarala could handle the role of ‘Selfie’ Kaathayi! She is the hero and highlight of the film. Sanglili Murugan is her pair in the movie.

Prakash and his narration

Prakash was Sudha Kongara’s former assistant. He narrated the story while I was shooting for Kidaari. The comedy with a dash of romance, action and emotions was impressive, and he completed BVT in just 50 days! On the sets, I am only an actor and he calls the shots. (smiles) But of course, we do discuss things before going for the shoot.

On Tanya

She is the granddaughter of the late actor Ravichandran. She has the prominent role of a village girl and has performed really well.

Brand Sasikumar

Audiences have seen me in semi-urban and rural roles. Filmmakers come to me with scripts involving family elements. I won’t say I am caught in an image trap, but I do slowly want to come out and try experimental roles as well. For my productions, I deliberately choose untouched territories like Pasanga, Thalaimuraigal, etc.