Shirish Saravanan’s next - Pistha, with an array of comedians like veteran Senthil, Yogi Babu and Satish, is ready for release. Shirish has taken a rural avatar in Pistha, directed by editor turned filmmaker Ramesh Bharathi.
Speaking to DC about experimenting with a new genre, Shirish says, “I did a city bred guy in Metro and Raja Ranguski. When my dear friend Ramesh narrated this rural humour genre, I was impressed and wanted to give it a try. And except the name, the film has nothing to do with Karthik sir’s yesteryear flick Pistha.”
The young actor has gone on an image makeover with a thick beard and sporting a veshti throughout the film. “I play a guy who owns a local sandhai. And typical of local guys who want to show gethu, I would go around the place either in a Bullet or in an open jeep.” On his lead girl Mrudhula Murali he says, “She plays a chirpy girl and a village social activist.”
Working with Senthil sir was a great experience. “I have grown watching Senthil sir’s comedy on TV. I am a huge fan of him. Thanks to my director who gave me a chance to work with a comedy legend like Senthil sir.”
Shirish is excited about sharing screen space with the current sensation Yogi Babu. “Since I am trying out comedy for the first time with the likes of Yogi Babu and Satish who excel in comic timing. I was a bit nervous in the initial days of shooting. They made me comfortable and my rehearsals prior to each shot also helped me. And there were times when they improvised on the spot with their own dialogues, but yes, I somehow pulled it off (laughs).”
Arundhathi Nair of Shaitaan fame and Namo Narayana are also part of the film, which is Dharan’s 25th film as a composer. Bankrolled by Sambasivam, the first look of Pistha is being unveiled by Yuvan Shankar Raja on May 31.
