I’d love to play a serious villain: Karunakaran

He says he’s quite happy with the way he’s progressing as an artiste. In the span of a couple of years, he has managed to pull off varied roles. “I want to do more films that meet audience’s expectations and when Radha Mohan sir approached me for a lead role, I was quite surprised. More than the character (an aspiring director), I liked the script so much that I didn’t want to miss the movie. He also made me break down and cry for the role, which was a completely new thing to me,” he smiles. Karunakaran wants to entertain people. “That’s what drives me every time to perform better,” he adds and tell us slowly post Jigarthanda, he started getting substantial offers.

He quickly adds how he owes a lot to Sundar C as well. “Co-writing Theeya Velai Seiyyanum Kumaru gave me confidence. Thanks to Sundar, but I don’t know if I would write my own script! I want to try my hand at it sometime later, he says.

So, on what basis he does films? “I will make sure I don’t miss films when I get opportunities to work with veterans. Take Lingaa for example. I did the film because of Rajini sir and Ravikumar. Also I choose films based on who the director is. Secondly, the theme of the movie should be new and it does not matter if the role is big or small,” he adds. Karunakaran loves to do villain characters too! He says, “Though I am happy doing comedy, I really wanted to do a negative character. I kept being offered similar roles. Similar doesn’t mean exactly the same roles, but I would love to play a serious villain. I don’t mind taking any risks if that works out.”

The actor also wishes he gets to work with Kamal Haasan soon. “Acting with Rajini sir was a dream come true. I still remember the day one when we shot Lingaa. Ravikumar introduced me to the superstar and I was literally frozen in awe. And I would be more happy if I do even a small role in Kamal sir’s film,” he chuckles.

Future plans? “I’ve worked non-stop for the last two years. I am happy with the response I am getting. Directors are confident and they have recognised me as an actor who can perform any role with ease. When I started out, I wanted to get quite busy in the industry and now that has come true,” Karunakaran signs off.