The perfect break

The recently-released Nivin Pauly-starrer Sakhavu has been well received by the audience and is running successfully to packed houses. Along with the actor being noticed for portraying a double role in the movie, his co-actors are also being appreciated for their roles which have equal space and importance in the movie.

Though a beginner in Mollywood, Rakendhu Kumar considers his character Eldho in the movie as his perfect break that will help him sustain in the industry.

Sharing his experience of working with award-winning director Siddharth Siva and the challenges of enacting a 75-year-old, Rakendhu says Sakhavu was a tough task for him. “Initially I was tensed when Siddharth told me that we all had to appear in two getups. Everyone with me were seasoned actors and it was easy for them. I had inhibitions on how to conceive the mannerisms and body language of an old man.”

“But anyhow, I had to do the role as it was the opportunity I was waiting for. I therefore decided to even shave my head to get the look of an aged man.”
He had to maintain the bald look for almost one year till the shooting ended. He however, has no regrets as he people and critics loved his older look than the younger one. “Some didn’t even recognise me. I had to show them Eldho’s photographs to make them understand that this old man was in the movie right from the beginning,” he laughs.

He also observed old people and to imbibe their mannerisms. However, the actor’s hard work paid off as he is in talks with different directors for other projects.

Though Rakendhu is more inclined towards humour-based characters, he has done serious roles like the one in Kasaba. He had also done a 100-episode serial Eswaran Saakshiyayi directed by K.K. Rajeev and points out that though movies are his priority, it was the role and the script of the serial that attracted him to it.