National award winner Suseenthiran is a filmmaker known for making socially conscious films from sensible scripts. His next directorial venture is Genius, which revolves around parental pressure on children to score high marks in academics and highlights how it puts kids under stress resulting in adverse effects.
Interestingly, the script, loved by the likes of Vijay, Jayam Ravi and Allu Arjun, has fallen on the lap of newcomer Roshan. An excited Roshan talks to DC about Genius, his working experiences with Susee and how he eventually turned the producer of the movie.
“I have been so passionate about cinema right from a young age. When I decided to plunge into acting, I took a call that I should bankroll the film, and not depend on other producers. Around the same time, I came to know Suseenthiran sir had this sort of experimental script and I approached him. He was confident that I could pull it off (smiles).”
Producer Roshan is quick to admit. “With a genius like Suseenthiran, I did not ask any question and I just trusted him blindly and followed him as an actor.” On his role he says, “I play Dhinesh, a software employee, goes crazy all of a sudden when his past catches up with him. He had been subjected to immense pressure as a kid thanks to his parents and this leads to the sudden mental block. Aadukalam Naren and Meera essay my parents.”
While the first half is heavy and serious, one cannot guess how the post intermission portions would turn out! “The film is not preachy and Susee sir has made it in an entertaining manner. There’s everything - good songs by Yuvan Shankar Raja, romance, emotions, humour and a fight in the climax. There’s a surprise element in the second half. The making style will be like that of Aamir Khan’s PK.”
Recalling how his friend who works in Mumbai used to take leave for a month to be alongside his son during his exams, Roshan says, “The movie is inspired by real life incidents. My friend is always behind his son and forces him to study 24/7.”
So, which was more difficult - acting or production, we ask and he laughs. “I never felt the burden of a producer at any point of time. That way Suseenthiran sir is a ‘producer’s delight’. Even as an actor, I never had any tough scenes as I just aped what my director told me to do. It was like doing any other job.”
Roshan has already bagged two films including Mike Testing 123, directed by Hari’s co-director Murugesh, set in a rural milieu where he plays a mike set owner who turns into a revolutionary.
