Only a few actors can pull off such contrasting roles — that of an IPS officer, and a happy-go-lucky person — with equal ease. This has been Jayam Ravi’s speciality. Currently riding high on the success of his latest Thani Oruvan, it looks like 2016 will be a busy year for the actor. He is also visibly excited about Bhooloham’s release.
Ravi says that he prefers to choose films based on the script rather than go by the character. “I have always believed that the script is the real hero,” he adds. “I worked really hard for Bhooloham. It was ahead of its time when we made it and the release was unfortunately delayed. Australian wrestler-actor Nathan Jones and I have fighting sequences towards an impactful climax.”
When asked why a boxing-based script again (since he has already done it in his debut M Kumaran: Son of Mahalakshmi), he says, “That was kick boxing and this is classic boxing. Bhooloham’s script is different. I liked the heroism in it. It deals with two boxing families from north Madras. I had to gain almost 15 pounds for the role in three months and then I underwent rigorous training under Madan, a national-level boxer — we did crocodile walking, skipping, boxing the punching bag and more. As an actor, putting on and shedding kilos, is an occupational hazard.”
“My biggest challenge has been to outgrow the ‘Romeo Ravi’ tag. I am open to pushing the boundaries. I have learnt from my mistakes and have to live up to audiences’ expectations. I am careful while choosing my films — and wait as long as it takes for a good script. I make sure I do not repeat any role. At the end of the day, action heroes succeed in this industry.”
The actor’s hands are full with Shakti Soundar Rajan’s Miruthan, and a film with Lakshman of Romeo Juliet fame. “In Miruthan, I play a traffic cop. I am trying my hand at the horror genre for the first time. No, there’s no ghost in it,” he quickly adds with a smile. “It’s an interesting script. For Lakshman’s untitled film, Arvind Swami and I team up again after Thani Oruvan! He’s wonderful to work with. He will almost sign on the dotted line; I hope to convince him. We will start rolling post Pongal. Talks are on with Gautham Menon, AL Vijay and Suseenthiran as well,” he concludes.
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