R ARIVANANTHAM
Supremestar Sarath Kumar expressed his gratitude to director Mani Ratnam for choosing him to play the powerful role as ‘Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar’ in his epic drama ‘Ponniyin Selvan,’ which will hit the screens on Friday.
Two days ahead of the world-wide release of the black-buster and star-studded ‘Ponniyin Selvan’ on Friday (September 30, 2022), actor Sarath Kumar on Wednesday said, “I thank Mani Ratnam sir for choosing me to play this character. It’s been a great delighting experience working with Mani Ratnam sir. I believe, all of us have performed up to his expectations in this movie. Hereafter, those reading ‘Ponniyin Selvan’ novel will keep our image in their minds for the respective characters we have played.”
- It is great to know that Superstar Rajinikanth also wanted to perform ‘Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar’ character, and he would have nailed it perfectly with his performance.
- Currently, I am working in 22 movies that include the hero, villain and strong characters as well.
He said ‘Ponniyin Selvan’ has been the most desired film adaptation of many iconic filmmakers, producers and actors of Tamil film industry across the decades. However, facing so many challenges, both Mani Ratnam and Lyca Productions have visually translated this epic book for the big screens. If adapting the entire novel, it will run in many parts. Hence, Mani Ratnam has tweaked the epic book without missing major events and has created an excellent film output.
I was given the character of Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar, the most important and powerful character in ‘Ponniyin Selvan,’ where he has been protector of Chola Dynasty, and has been submissive towards them. At the same time, he has multiple dimensions of becoming a slave without his knowledge to Nandini’s evil plans.
Those unaware about Cholas will be enlightened watching this movie. Their feat of achievements and glorious contribution towards the humankind will be exhibited throughout this movie.
“In future, those who would like to know about the Chola Kingdom will be educated through this movie. Hereafter, the foreigners who visit Taj Mahal should start visiting the Thanjavur Brihadeeswarar Temple as well. I thank both Lyca Productions and Madras Talkies for their mammoth efforts in materializing this project,” he added.
‘Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar is a valorous man with 64 war scars (Vizhupun in Tamil) on his body. While reading the ‘Ponniyin Selvan’ book, I was excited to know who would be playing this role, and was glad that I got an opportunity to perform it. I am not sure who all aspired and desired to play this character, he said.
It is great to know that actor Rajinikanth also wanted to perform this character, and he would have nailed it perfectly with his performance.
Many have been asking about me playing negative roles in the movies. According to me, protagonist, antagonist, father, brother – all are characters, which becomes 100% perfect with the dedication and contribution of actors. An actor will be regarded proficient, if he/she is able to deliver good performances in any given role. Currently, I am working in 22 movies that include the hero, villain and strong characters as well. I request everyone to support me and my movies as you have been doing for years, Sarath Kumar adds.
When asked about the character he wishes most to play in his acting career, he quipped it was the great freedom fighter Nethaji Subash Chandra Bose. If anyone comes out with the project, he is willing to play the role of Nethaji Subash Chandra Bose.
In his hour long interaction with the media after a long period, the actor was very candid in answering trivial questions on his fitness, politics and film world.
