Rajiv Menon, who returns to direction after almost 18 years with a musical subject in Sarvam Thaala Mayam, reveals the reason for choosing GV Prakash as the lead protagonist. STM, with music by Rahman, is all about how musically inclined Peter (GVP) who hails from a Dalit community, learns mridangam from a percussionist essayed by Nedumudi Venu.
In a recent Facebook interaction session involving the trio, while reacting to a question as to why he chose GV Prakash for the role, Rajiv Menon said, “I keep watching films on music and those who play are not musicians. So I felt they are faking something. I was particular that my lead protagonist is someone who is a musician. I chose GV Prakash —not that he is stunningly handsome, talented or super charming (smiles) but because of the fact that he plays the piano and he will be one who would submit himself and dedicate time for the character. More importantly, he was willing to learn.”
When Prakash was asked about his experiences working under Rahman, he replied, “I am always scared about Rahman sir and I get tensed whenever I see him. When I was assisting him while composing tracks, and during recordings, I used to get frightened to face him. While acting, I know he wouldn’t be around and it will be different in that way, but, still I am a little tense.”
ARR intervened to say in a lighter vein, “I have scolded him only once! He is just pretending. It shows he is a good actor.” The Oscar winner also disclosed that they were initially contemplating to keep the film title as Varalaama and that the name Sarvam Thaala Mayam evolved during discussions.
Meanwhile, the news is out that Prakash has helped the Delta farmers in a unique way. Along with PT Selvakumar of ‘Kalappai Makkal Iyakkam’, he has donated 500 calves to women in Cyclone Gaja affected areas.
