“Vikram Kumar is not desperately trying to make a blockbuster”- The Samantha Interview
Theri has given Samantha the ideal start to this summer. The film has been termed a blockbuster and Samantha has been recognized for her dignified performance in an important role as Vijay’s wife. She has ’24’ up next and the film is racing towards its release on May 6. All the important members of the ’24’ team have been dedicated to promoting the film in a professional manner and ‘Sam’ is no different.
Samantha engages in a free-wheeling chat with Only Kollywood and talks about her ambitious forthcoming release 24, future projects and the impact of failures.
“ ’24’ is a complete Suriya sir show reel. My love scenes are the lighter element of the film. The role isn’t as mature as Theri 
but she will leave her mark. She will be light-hearted and lovable, and connected to the main plot. She is not just for romance and the songs. ’24’ is something not attempted before and it is an ambitious project. It has come out very well.”
She carries on about her ’24’ team’s efficiency and planning,
“I thought that ’24’ will take 2 years to make but it was wrapped in record time with great production values and a great crew. It looks way better than what I imagined when Vikram narrated the script. I am overwhelmed by how it looks now. And Rahman sir adds such value to the film. For a film of such a scale, he is the right person.
Vikram Kumar is a good friend and the nice thing about him is that the child within him is still alive. Because of that, he is able to dream so big. His films don’t fit into stereotypes, and he doesn’t follow Math and templates while doing films. He believes in story telling and is not desperately trying to make a Blockbuster. It’ll happen if it has to happen. ’24’ has great potential but it’s slightly risky too. I really want it to work.”
Samantha was recently profuse in her praise of Nithya Menen, one of her co-actors in the film. She seems to be bowled over by the ‘Kanmani’,
“I have no combination scenes with her in ’24’ but I have already done 3 films with her. I have great respect for this extremely talented actress. I would say that Nithya is the most talented heroine in the South when it comes to acting, and now with her singing, it’s just too much talent (smiles).”
And like the other actors, ‘Sam’ also has nothing but good words to say about Suriya’s 2D Entertainment,
“2D Entertainment is just an extension of Suriya as a person. He is such a gentleman and it’s only natural that his production house is on the lines of his personality. They didn’t waste my dates one bit.”
How do failures like an Anjaan or 10 Endrathukulla or Thangamagan impact her?
“Yes, they do affect me. I don’t want to lie that I just walk away after a failure. They really really affect me but I am happy that no one has lost hope on me and they continue to give me good roles again and again. I do introspect after my bad films where I am just an eye candy. Happily, of late, I keep reading the line ‘this is her career best’ in reviews and that means my career is headed the right way. I am hoping for the best with 24″.
What does the future hold for ‘Sam’ ?
“Brahmotsavam – A proper family film.
A Aa – It is extra special because I get to explore comedy in this role. Women usually aren’t given comedy roles in films and I am 
very very happy that a woman is getting to do comedy again. It requires me to make people laugh, which is quite a task.
The remake of U-Turn – I am looking forward to the deal getting closed and we are in the process of firming it up.
Vada Chennai – It is going to be physically very very demanding and also mentally straining. I am preparing for that now and it will be strikingly different from my other roles.”
Samantha signs off by stating, “I am done with the glam parts. It’s been 6 years and I am in search of meaningful roles. Both me and the audience need variety.”
Interviewed by Kaushik LM
