CHENNAI: Over the years, Shanthnu has had a mix of hits and flops. But, he hopes 2017 will be good for him. Awaiting the release of Koditta Idangalai Nirappuga (KIN), he’s both happy and nervous. “I better be nervous, because my film is going to release alongside biggies like Bairavaa. I am not competing with a star like Vijay. His league is different from mine. I want to say, if you don’t get tickets for Bairavaa, watch my film in theatres and support me and Parthiepan,” he smiles.
Comparisons are inevitable when your father is a famous director. Shanthnu tells us. “When Parthiepan approached me, I thought I should do this film because he told me he’d like to honour my dad K Bhagyaraj (his guru) this way.” His approach towards this film throughout was different. “I considered myself as a fresher,” he adds.
The Sakkarakatti (2007) actor adds small-budget films are naturally being highlighted and promoted when they get released with big-budget ones. “KIN has so far been the most fulfilling experience, ever since I started acting. And I have high hopes on that. I play a guy, who returns from abroad. My characterisation is similar to what Mohan did in Mouna Ragam (1986). I am talking about the subtlety factor,” he says.
For someone who has been energetic and bubbly on screen, Shanthnu found it a bit tough initially to adapt himself to a different situation altogether. “I worked a lot on my body language and dialogue delivery. Parthiepan was keen that I don’t really ‘act’. Every actor has a rhythm in his body. I was asked to not go by that rhythm,” he laughs. Reluctant to divulge more on the film, he adds, “It will be an emotional bumpy ride to the moon and back. Wait and watch.”
Shanthu has worked on films of different genres and with varied actors and directors, but has all praise for Parthiepan. “He came to me with this film, I knew I was ready. It was a great learning experience. When you expect that the film will go in a particular order, it will surprise you and you’d be wrong. KIN is a pucca Parthiepan product. We completed the film in 25-30 days. There’s novelty in everything from the title card, frames, costumes and the entire look. “
The actor feels that it was one of his best performance. Isn’t he more confident now than the early days? Comes the reply, “I am definitely far better equipped in handling my scenes now than before. Experience in this field certainly helps you as an actor.” The recent spate of misses hasn’t discouraged him. “I am an actor who rises with every fall,” he beams with confidence. Shanthnu’s another film Mupparimanam is also done. “It’s a proper commercial venture directed by Adhiroopan, former assistant to Bala sir. We’re looking to releasing the film in February,” he says.