Sathish Interview: “I still look at Vijay sir with some amount of fear.”
Sathish is a prominent name in Tamil cinema currently with multiple noteworthy films in hand. This coming weekend, he will be seen in all the three releases – Remo, Rekka and Devi (in a guest role that he couldn’t refuse). Ilayathalapathy Vijay’s Bairavaa is his 25th film and Sathish is riding a wave indeed. He spares some time for this interview with Kaushik LM for Only Kollywood.
“Though three of my films are releasing on the 7th, I will be shooting that day for Vijay sir’s Bairavaa and won’t be seeing any of these films in the theater. But, I have already seen Remo and it worked out really well for us. We are confident about the film’s prospects.”
Looking back at your journey towards 25 films, how do you feel?
“It is a surprise for me actually, as it’s particularly tough to succeed in the cinema space. The phase from 20 to 35 years is a very crucial part of one’s life, and there’s that pressure to settle down. I am just happy that I have managed to earn well and meet my basic survival needs on a daily basis. It has been a risky but victorious journey so far. I am doing what I love and getting paid for it too.”
Having started off with Crazy Mohan’s stage troupe, how do you see his role in your career?
“Crazy Mohan sir laid my core foundation. Through discussions with him, I learnt the art of timing and genuine comedy without indulging in double entendre and cheap lines. I go to his dramas and see him often. He is very happy with my success. From our team, Chaams has also succeeded in his own way.”
Would you be interested in getting back to stage plays now? At least in a guest role ?
“That would mean taking away the role from some other deserving talented person. I don’t want to do that. But I can do guest roles as you said. Few years back, for the play ‘Madhu Plus Two’, I had to fill in at the last minute for an actor who backed out. Since I had already done the part, I could do it properly and all of us were happy.”
How has your stage experience helped your cinema career?
“Actually, I used to exhibit cinematic acting during my stage days. Generally, one is required to talk loudly facing the mike and over-act on stage so that it reaches out to the audience at the hall. But I used to keep it subtle on stage, as getting into cinema was my ultimate aim. I could pull it off without much fuss; cinema is the tougher proposition!”
From Kaththi to Bairavaa, how is your wavelength with Ilayathalapathy Vijay now?
“I still look at him with respect, awe and some amount of fear, even though he moves closely with me now. That’s due to the extent to which I admired him during my younger days. Even if I do 20 more films with him, it will be the same feeling. But now, I am able to go ahead and improvise during my scenes and dialogues with him.”
I heard you used to go around putting up wall posters of Vijay during the release of Kadhalukku Mariyadhai …
“My native is Elampillai near Salem and there were 2 theaters, named Kandhan and KVP, opposite my home. These theaters were main factors in grooming my interest in films. I used to see all films free of cost here and would even go just to see specific scenes, as the operator was a friend. They used to let me in without any hassles.
I was also friends with the poster guy and used to help him out in making sure that the two halves of the poster were aligned properly. Kadhaluku Mariyadhai released here as a 2nd shift film and had a run of close to 50 days, even then. I cried during the last day’s screening of the film, and it felt like sending away a close relative.“
Sivakarthikeyan said in a recent interview that you are a part of his intimate group of friends. How and when did this friendship begin?
“I have been friends with him since 2010. During the shoot of Atlee’s short film, Mugaputhagam, we got acquainted and we hit it off right away. We used to have a ball during the shoots, and both of us wished to make it big in cinema.
He wanted to become a comedian but I pushed him to get into the lead hero space. I used to feed that thought to him constantly. I can say that I’m a main factor in kick-starting his journey as a lead hero. We keep each other updated constantly on our daily activities, we discuss scenes and shots over the phone etc. I am very happy with his growth.”
At the recent Rekka press meet, there was a buzz that you’ll soon be graduating to lead hero roles …
“That was done just to pull my leg. I have no interest in doing lead roles just for the sake of it. I have to plan and do it properly. Now, there are lots of heroes, lots of films being made and consequently lots of opportunities for male comedians like me.”
Any interests beyond acting?
“I write scenes, indulge in dialogue development on the spot and give script level inputs. Nothing else! Direction and scripting are like yoga; one needs complete focus.”
The social media is a part and parcel of the lives of current generation actors. How do you see this trend?
“It’s a plus and a minus too. When I see mocking Memes on great people like Ajith sir, Vijay sir and Dhoni, I get upset. But like applause and autographs, we have to get used to trolls as well. But it would be better if personal attacks are avoided.”
Finally, is there a serious side to Sathish? You seem to be a man in good spirits always …
“Comedians generally see the funnier side of things in real life too. I do feel sad seeing the homeless and helpless but other than that, I am not a serious person and face things in a jolly way. I get stressed only when there is some confusion over the management of my dates. But ultimately, things will happen as they are destined to be. We just need to try our best and go ahead.”
Sathish also has films like Motta Siva Ketta Siva, Parandhu Sellava, the Sivakarthikeyan – Mohan Raja film, a film with GV Prakash and some more in the pipeline. Best wishes to him to continue this rich vein of form.
Interviewed by Kaushik LM