Raghava Lawrence is looking forward to the release of his films, Motta Shiva Ketta Shiva and Shivalinga. During our conversation with the 41-year-old, the word ‘by God’s grace’ often pops up, not because he’s a believer, but because he has realised how the ‘supreme power’ made him what he is today. Here, he talks to CE about his choice of characters and journey in films. Excerpts follow.
Your last release was two years ago. Why the gap?
Finding a good script is a huge challenge. I don’t believe in signing films back-to-back. Also, I don’t have the luxury to say I have five scripts that are fantastic and then pick what I want to work on. Content is key. I need a good director and a good script. It’s not about quantity as much as it is about quality. Besides this, there’s quite a bit on my plate – I am building a temple for my mother, for which the work is done. I’ve invited Superstar to inaugurate it around April. Also, I have 60 kids who are a part of my trust. I take care of them and they are always my top priority.
Tell us a little about Motta Shiva Ketta Shiva.
After the Kanchana franchise, I felt that I should do something different from the usual — an action script maybe. So, I play a cop in this one. We shot in and around Hyderabad, Malaysia, Bengaluru and Chennai. I’ve even sung a ‘mass’ number in Motta Shiva... ennayum kadaisila pada vechutaanga! Aside from all that, there’s an emotional connect to the story. Remember the critical acclaim Sarathkumar got for his portrayal of a transgender in Kanchana (2011)? Similarly, there’s a sister character in this film which I am sure audiences will like. Sai Ramani, the director, has made it so real. His camera captures emotion in a way that it’s never too in your face. I didn’t need to act. I had to feel the emotion from within.
What was working with P Vasu on Shivalinga like?
Vasu is a veteran filmmaker and a perfectionist too. Initially, therefore, I was scared of him. But once we started shooting, I became more relaxed and we got along quite well. I was impressed by the Kannada original (2016), and we shot the remake in five months. It’s a horror-comedy, a genre I like. I play the role of a CB-CID officer in the film. For the first time in my career, I had a trainer, who took care of my fitness.
Rumour has it that Vasu and you are teaming up for Mannan’s remake. Is that true?
Talks are on, but nothing has been
finalised yet.
The Jallikattu protests made you an overnight hero for the students participating. What was that like?
I am glad I could help them in whichever way I could. All credit goes to the students who were championing the cause with complete conviction.
What do you like best, direction/ choreography/ acting?
I love dancing and started my career as a choreographer. There used to be a lot of freedom as I had no pressure to prove myself to anybody. But with acting and direction, there’s this constant pressure of making sure my films become hits. I miss my old self. During 80s, I used to be fit without working on fitness, thanks to dance. After venturing into direction, I started gaining weight which I am now finding hard to lose (smiles).
How does it feel to look back at your journey in the industry?
I had no idea about what I was going to become when I first set foot into the industry. I wanted to become a dance master. Everything else was just a bonus! Though there’s a sense of competition, life is not a race. I want everyone to do well. I think there’s a space for everyone in the industry.
You sound a lot like Rajinikanth, with these worldly-wise philosophies.
Aiyo, no! I can never be Rajinikanth. He is what he is. Until a while ago, I thought I was the only one doing things. Now, I have come to realise that I am just an instrument. Despite working hard, we are not happy and find something missing, a simple lack of contentment.
Any sequels in the works for any of your previous movies?
That idea came up only for Kanchana and that worked in my favour. My brother was suggesting that I do a sequel for Style (2006). But, let’s see!