Aravind Aakash, whose Kannula Kaasa Kattappa released this Friday, says he owes everything to Venkat Prabhu. Having done films like Saroja (2008), Panchamirtham (2008), and Mangkatha (2011), he’s eagerly waiting for Chennai 600028 II: Second Innings to hit the screens.
He tells CE, “Kannula Kaasa Kattappa is about a group of people who try to convert a huge amount of black money. But honestly, it was just a coincidence that we got to release the movie when we have a similar slew of similar issues going on like the financial crisis and demonetisation. Gowtham, son of veteran actor Major Sundarrajan, has directed this film. He was working on the script for a long time.”
He adds that everyone in the film had an equal role to play as far as characterisation was concerned. “There’s nothing called the male lead or protagonist. Everyone who’s cast has a pivotal role in it. The film was written in such a way,” he says.
Recalling the days when he was a part of serials and a few unreleased films he adds, “Meeting Venkat changed my life and now we’re good friends. I am the only actor who has had roles in whatever movie he has directed so far. I have no shame in admitting that he has given me a lease of life.”
Naturally, Aravind is excited about 600028 II: Second Innings. “We reunited only because of Venkat Prabhu. Our boys have immense respect for him as a filmmaker and a friend. It was great to see the same old guys coming together for a proper sequel. We are looking forward to recreate the same magic on screen. Everyone including Jai, Shiva, Nitinsathyaa and Premgi is busy with his own movie commitments, but this film provided us with a platform to come together as a family,” he grins.
What’s next? “Well, I am still a struggling actor. I am game for negative roles too if it piques my interest.”