Harish Uthaman Interview: “Vijay sir knows everything about me”
Harish Uthaman is making steady strides in Tamil cinema, as a villain to look out for. With his sharp looks, good physique and standard performances, Harish is getting good offers in his kitty. Most recently, he was seen in Vijay Sethupathi’s Rekka, which has been met with decent reception. Through this chat with Kaushik LM, we get to know more about Harish and his career’s growth.
“Career growth is important in any field and everyone expects it. By God’s grace and with the support of my directors, a definite growth is there in my film career over the past 2 years or so. I’ve taken a step forward and I am happy with it. We have to land with the right directors to see the next levels. I also enjoy the recognition and adulation from the public now, but nothing stops me from continuing my regular outdoor activities.”
Recently, how was the feedback for your negative role in Thodari? 
I would say that my character’s hatred and negative mindset made a mark among viewers. It was not the usual character, and it had many unique traits and layers. The press show got good feedback too, and it was a comforting feeling. I am happy to have done Thodari.
Do you ever feel being typecast in mostly negative roles in both Tamil and Telugu?
“I personally feel that am not being typecast in the negative space. I enjoy doing such negative roles and there is a subtle difference in each role. In my coming films, I have mostly played cop roles but the play would be different in each film.
And in the Telugu film, Mister with Varun Tej, directed by Srinu Vaitla, my role is something which I haven’t done before in Telugu. I play the heroine’s brother and though he is like a villain till the end, there is an emotional revelation in the climax, which really hooked me.”
A few weeks back, Vijay Sethupathi commented at the Rekka press meet that you are capable of playing lead hero roles. He also recollected your first film, ‘Tha’. It was a pleasant surprise for all of us …
“It was a big surprise for me too. The first movie is always special, and ‘Tha’ brought me into cinema. Hats off to Vijay Sethupathi for whatever he said. He needn’t have mentioned all that and not everybody would go to that extent. It just shows his generosity and good nature.”
How was his transition to the hardcore commercial masala space in Rekka?
“It suited him well. He himself said that he’s enjoying such type of films but he’s clear that he doesn’t want to get stuck in this space. I also suggested him to mix up content-based films and the odd commercial film here and there. In Rekka, he pulled it off with ease and confidence; guess Sethupathi, earlier this year, gave him some familiarity with this genre.”
Coming back to your career, Thani Oruvan looks like that landmark film which has given the much-needed fillip to you?
“Definitely! Earlier, Pandiya Nadu gave me some exposure but Thani Oruvan has given me a major identity. Be it my attire, my appearance, my role or the team, it was a complete package. The roles coming to me now have also gotten better and Thani Oruvan is surely a milestone in that regard.”
Harish adds that he was approached for Dhruva, the Telugu remake of Thani Oruvan, but couldn’t accommodate it. Interestingly, he was offered the same Sardar role and also the ‘shooter’ role, played by Vamsi in the original.
Your plate seems to be full now …
“In Maaveran Kittu, I play a cop again and people would curse my character for sure. Suseenthiran suggested that I take it up, though I was sort of averse to playing the cop again.
In Roobai, I play the baddie again but the story revolves around me and takes off from my point of view. The film has been shot in superb unexplored locations around Theni, Moonar and Marayoor. Composer Imman was very happy with my performance and the film has turned out well. If it releases on a proper date, it will make a mark definitely. I am really looking forward to it.
In Nayanthara’s Doraa, I play an investigative cop. In Vijay sir’s Bairavaa, Sija Rose plays my wife. Though I have very few scenes, the impact would be big. There would be a nice transformation in my character and my role will surely work out due to this one particular scene with Vijay sir. I accepted Bairavaa mainly for this scene.”
You must have interacted a lot with Ilayathalapathy on the Bairavaa sets …
“Vijay sir is a great guy. He knows everything about me, even my background. He saw one of my earlier short films (a pilot episode), appreciated it and encouraged me. I was hesitant to talk to him in the beginning, but he called me closer, spoke to me and made me feel at ease. We kept talking throughout the shoots. Despite being one of the biggest stars, he is very humble and casual. There is a lot to learn from him.“
Director Suseenthiran seems to be your mentor, grooming you with good roles in his films …
“We talk a lot, and he keeps advising me to not get stuck in a prototype. He asks me to keep pushing my limits. He’s my well-wisher and I feel very comfortable and confident working with him. I can feel a different spark, while working in his films.
Maaveeran Kittu was wrapped in just 39 days, with a limited crew. I shot for 9 days totally and it was packed with back to back shoots. He works so fast, is well-planned and moves quickly from one film to the next without wasting any time. He values his career a lot.”
“I am eyeing important characters. The story is the deciding factor and I am not specifically looking at playing the villain or hero.” signs off Harish.
Interviewed by Kaushik LM