Ticket to Bollywood

Film buffs have been eagerly waiting for Bollywood action thriller India’s Most Wanted, directed by                                                                                            and starring Arjun Kapoor, especially since its teaser release. The movie is set to hit the screens on May 24. The plot and some big names on the list of cast and crew have kept the excitement high. However, for Malayalis, there are more reasons to look forward to the release of the film as it stars actor Alexander Prasanth, that too in a prominent role. Prasanth, who has appeared in a number of Malayalam films in supporting as well as negative roles, terms the experience of working in Bollywood as incredible.
After making his debut in the then trendsetter Nammal in 2002, directed by Kamal, Prasanth’s journey in the tinsel town has been quite straight. The actor says he was lucky to get a role in India’s Most Wanted. “Everyone was curious as to how I got the opportunity. The casting team of the movie contacted me and when I enquired, I was told that my looks and physique matched with the character written.”  Prasanth adds that it was a great experience to work with filmmaker Raj Kumar Gupta, who has directed acclaimed films like No One Killed Jessica, Aamir and Raid. “He was very clear about what he is expecting from me. The story is about a bunch of ordinary looking I.B. officers who lead a low-key life with a mission to track down some threats to national security. I was not asked to put up a show; he wanted me to act very normally. We had long sessions together as the director wanted to see some chemistry between the lead characters because as per the story, we had been working in the department for a long time. Arjun was also very supportive. He always makes a valid suggestion and is a fun-loving guy. There was no pressure at all,” says Prasanth.   
With an experience of over 17 years, Prasanth has witnessed how Malayalam cinema has evolved over the years. Though he has already worked with many great actors and directors, his career is mostly highlighted with supporting roles. “I wish I could do more serious and lengthy characters. I started out very early and it was such a race that I had my ups and downs. The most important thing is I’m still on the track. I have always been available.” His performances in numerous films caught people’s attention, including the ones in Johny Johny Yes Appa, Action Hero Biju and most lately the Mammootty-starrer Madhuraraja. After watching his performances and understanding how well he has evolved into a subtle actor, one cannot be blamed for asking if he has got enough opportunities to prove his full mettle. “I cannot say if the industry used me well or not. I am not in a position to ask or prove anything. I have always been grateful to everyone I have acted with. I believe in destiny and I can only say that I get chosen as per what the story demands. I had never expected to get a good character role in a big budget movie like Madhuraraja, but I was selected. There was a space for me in the film and the director and the producer wanted my service. During the filming of Madhuraraja, Mammukka instilled in me a lot of confidence which has helped me a lot. I am still adapting to the changes in the industry and making myself ready and available all the time. If I get a good opportunity based on my performance in Madhuraraja, I would take it happily.”
A ticket to Bollywood is not easy to get and Prasanth is making his debut there with some of the best names at the moment. However, he does not expect a life-changing career break. “Obviously, I wish this movie gets me some more attention. But I’m not going to sit over it and think much. I am not going to bother about it much. Like I said, I gave my maximum for the movie. Right now, I am super excited to see posters and hoardings in Mumbai with my photograph on it. At first, I thought the film would not make any buzz in Kerala as normally it is hard for a Bollywood film to make a name here. But since the trailer and poster release, I have been getting a lot of enquiries about my role and the movie. So, I am very much looking forward to seeing how it is going to turn out in Kerala, too,” he concludes.
Prasanth has been part of many films lately including King Fish, Anugraheethan Antony and Subharathri.