Actor Sumanth is gearing up for Malli Raava and is excited about his role. Talking about the film, he says, “Malli Raava is about puppy love and how it blossoms over three time periods. It’s an honest love story. For my part, I wanted to unlearn certain things; I tried to underplay my role and be more settled, which I haven’t done in long. The most interest aspect is the screenplay. Since the film spans across three time periods, the juxtaposition will be interesting.”
The actor says the film’s script came like a breath of fresh air. “I am in a stage in life where I wanted to do films that are personal. When I heard the narration, it was refreshing. My character too was treated naturally, and I believe this is the most natural love story I did after Godavari (2006). For a natural love story like Malli Raava, three things are vital — colloquial writing, justification of characters and music. I think all these aspects came out well in the film,” he shares.
Sumanth adds that director Gowtam Tinnanuri never came across as a debut filmmaker. “He came to me with a bound script, but the best part was he had already shot some portions of the film and showed me a test reel. I was floored by his approach.”
He admits that his earlier film Naruda Donoruda (remake of Vicky Donor), lacked the vigour. “Hit Bollywood films haven’t always worked in the South. My film too may not have worked because we missed the flavour of the film. Also, the film released during demonetisation,” he quips.
For someone who has been in the industry since 18 years, Sumanth has done only 22 films. “Honestly I’d love to do more films, but I don’t have regrets because I always believe in quality. I am a little choosy. But I am happy with my career. I’ve tasted commercial success and my films got critical acclaim too. In fact, my success rate is better than the average industry success rate (smiles). So I am content that I have dabbled with various genres in cinema.”
