At the audio launch of Kaappaan, Superstar Rajinikanth had asked Suriya, “What’s your movie count with this release?” To which he replied, “Kaappaan is my 37th film in 22 years of my career.”
“Only 37?” a surprised Rajini exclaimed in his inimitable style and laughter. He may have been around in tinsel town for more than two decades, but the versatile actor has maintained the boyish charm and can turn astonishingly macho and rugged when his onscreen character demands. Though he is a tough SPG commando in the action thriller Kaappaan, shedding a few kilos and sporting a crew cut, he appeared to be in his late 20s when he sat to interact with the press. “Oh, this is for my younger version of the lead protagonist in next film Soorarai Pottru,” he says with a grin. Here we go.
Kaappaan an unexplored plot
Any celebrity, be it an actor or sports personality, get recognition and a stage to perform. But there are crucial professions and deeds that are yet to come into the limelight. I love scripts which have not been explored — something happening in society, new environment, backdrops, and whose life we cannot live. They are unsung heroes. Kaappaan is one such story that needs to be told.
SPG officers are human shields
It revolves around the lives of the Special Protection Group (SPG). They are different from police or army. SPG protocol is such that you go in front and sacrifice your life. They are trained to show their body in front of the bullet to save the leader. The SPG force eventually develops an emotional bond with the leaders. It starts with such a backdrop and KV Anand has done extensive research and detailing and made the script. While Mohanlal essays the Prime Minster, I play his SPG officer. I took training for three weeks at Manesar, Haryana, watching their lives really affected me.
Fresh Perspective
The film would give you some fresh perspectives, awareness beyond cinematic experience. I got lot of good contacts and I am in touch with their families even now.
Hero or Villain?
You can’t call them villains. We have seen incidents where they rebel against the state, system or superiors. It can be of any level. In a way, my character is some sort of a rebel. Watch the film to know if I become a rebel or an antihero in Kaappaan.
The Mohanlal Factor
If Mohanlal sir is around, you get energised and your confidence level would go up. There’s lot of positivity. He keeps everyone happy. He tells me, ‘I am your anytime friend. I am just one call away’. He talks about friendship, family and relationship. Not only acting, he dances, cooks, does magic. We all act in front of the camera…But Mohanlal sir lives and travels with the character he portrays (smiles).
Plagiarism issue
A lot of people were claiming that the story was theirs. Oh my God, I am scared to listen to scripts these days (Shrugs).
Delhi — ultimate power centre
I run an NGO and if I have to get some approval for it here, it takes a long time. If you sit in Delhi, it is totally a different scenario. The way things are handled there, you feel it is easy to govern India. After coming to know of Agaram, a top rung honest officer helped me to get some permissions within two days. All decisions take place in Delhi and it is the ultimate power centre. Kaappaan is set in one such backdrop and is loosely inspired by real life incidents.
Not keen to enter politics
I have no intension of foraying into politics. My films may deal with politics. However, I am running this Agaram for the last 15 years and I can’t be dumb without voicing out what I have experienced and gone through. People might have a different opinion on NEET. My point of view directly comes from my practical experience.
There’s a dialogue in Jo’s film Raatchasi. “If you don’t stop an evil thing that is happening in front of your eyes, then you also become part of that evil thing. Those who combat it find a place in history”. I just follow that.
I feel education is my forte. A lot of people spoke about it earlier. Because, I am in limelight, my voice has been highlighted. Being in the industry for more than 20 years, it is a subconscious responsibility that comes — to do the right thing.
