It took me 15 days to come back to reality after Martin Luther King

Actor Sampoornesh Babu is known for making films that are way so different and far from routine, was recently seen in Martin Luther King which was released in the theaters a few weeks ago. Directed by Pooja Kolluru, the film has Sharanya playing a key role. The film is currently streaming on Sony LIV and is receiving praises from all across.

Martin Luther King is the remake of Tamil film Mandela which has Yogi Babu playing the lead role. The film was a huge hit in Tamil and that is what made the makers remake it in Telugu.

Talking to Deccan Chronicle, Sampoornesh Babu, the lead actor, shared some excerpts from the film and also the experience of being part of a film that has a message.

Did you watch Mandela before saying 'yes' to this film? What did you like about it?

I did watch the film. When Pooja garu narrated the story to me, she asked me to watch the film for reference. I liked the fact that they were truthful and honest in the making and telling the story. The message the film gives is something society currently needs.

What about the character impressed you to do it?
It is a character that I have not done to date and it is worth it. That particular character is trying for an identity He has a lifestyle that he is fighting for. He is fighting for his identity. That is what impressed me the most.

Did you ask the team why they chose to have you?
I did. I had the same doubt too. But the answer they gave is that I have characters that are always different from the routine and that's what made them believe in me. They trusted in me that I will be able to pull off the role well. Well, I hope I did.

What was the response from people after watching the film?

Friends and family were really happy. Well wishers always wanted to see me playing characters that help me grow and prove my acting mettle. Everybody appreciated me and they said these are the characters I should be working on. This is a film that I felt was a much needed to me at this phase of my career. Many even sent me messages saying that never really knew I could recite such lengthy dialogues

You are not a main stream hero. So you always cannot be busy. How do you accept the fact that you take time to grow in career.

I know. I am not in a hurry to make back to back films or sign any of them. I act due to my passion and nothing else. I work for those directors who want to work with me. I want to make the best of what I have. I ain’t in a hurry to make films. I am not looking at the high maintenance or luxury life that comes out of it. That is seasonal.

How was working with Pooja Kolluru?
She was amazing. She had a clear picture in her mind on how the film should be. Pin to pin, she had a standard for how the performance should be. She was clear about how much was needed and how much isn’t.

What was your state of mind after playing such a character?
It took me more than 15 days to come back go reality. It was a great character and playing it was great.