Versatile personality Sarath Kumar is back to his primary forte after a brief hiatus, and has now got his kitty full with films in many languages. With his cop story Chennayil Oru Naal 2 hitting the marquee this Deepavali, the star is in a cheerful mood. He plays a stylish spy named Sundarapandian in it. In an exclusive interview, he talks about the movie, ticket pricing and his projects in other industries. Wishing DC readers a safe Deepavali, the veteran says, “Avoid imported crackers and only use crackers from Sivakasi, who are supplying to the entire country. I also request people who run the cracker factories to give better amenities and safety to workers.”
Ask him if CON 2 is a sequel to his earlier film Chennaiyil Oru Naal, he says, “Only the title is retained, but this is not a sequel. It is a fictionalised account of events happening in a day’s time based on Rajesh Kumar’s novel. And this time, the film is set in Coimbatore! It is an investigative thriller directed by JPR. We have made changes in the story to suit the silver screen.”
About teaming up with Napoleon after a long time, Sarath says, “Yes, we share a close friendship. He came down from the US for the script narration; he liked the script and agreed to do the extended cameo. Likewise, Suhasini also came on board after she got impressed with her character. Even a small character in the movie has been well-scripted.”
Having handled similar roles in the past, how does the Naattamai star find CON 2? “It’s not an action-packed investigation. Rather than flexing his muscles, the hero uses his intelligence to solve the crucial case. The way he investigates is depicted in a thrilling manner,” he remarks.
Heaping praises on the director, Sarath adds, “When he narrated the script and said that he wanted to cast me for the role, the enthusiasm JPR showed was amazing. He was also very clear on how to go about making the film. I never interfered at any point of time. The only place where he made some changes on my request, is in the climax portion. That too happened after an hour-long discussion with him. He also has tremendous music knowledge and sat down with the composer Jakes Bijoy of Dhuruvangal 16 fame for the songs. I have also lent my voice for a song, which is an homage to cops.”
On the recent ticket price hike, he gives his take, “I welcome the decision of hiking the price. However, as far as bringing down the rates of food items inside the theaters, my views are different. Price varies between the food sold in a road-side shop and in a five-star hotel. When people invest so much of money to build the multiplexes, they can set the price for their products. Moreover, no one is forcing you to buy a popcorn or soft drink while watching a movie.”
Sarath has two more movies in Tamil — Rendaavdhu Aaattam and Nallasiriyar — in the piepeline. Also, the actor seems to be busy in Tollywood as well. “Telugu films need me. I am essaying an interesting role in Mahesh Babu-Koratala Siva’s film Bharat Ane Nenu. I have also teamed up with Allu Arjun in Naa Peru Surya. Rajumar was a huge hit in Kannada and talks are on for a few more movies. Hariharan sir is discussing a script with me in Malayalam as well. I am open to negative roles, but it should have a message in the end and should be justified,” the actor concludes.
