Since winning accolades for her debut film, Podaa Podi, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar’s career has taken off in Tamil cinema. The Chennai belle has broken through the ranks and has carved a niche for herself in Kannada and Malayalam as well. Recently, she tested waters in Telugu cinema with Pandem Kodi 2 and the audience fondly remember her for her villainy act in the film starring Vishal.
She is now bracing up to entice the audience yet again with a political thriller, Sarkar. Directed by AR Murugadoss and starring Thalapathy Vijay, the film shows her as a politician. “Muruga sir’s films always have strong female characters. In Sarkar, I play a character that is in stark contrast to Pandem Kodi 2. It doesn’t have references to any person living or dead,” says Varalaxmi without divulging more details about her character.
Further, elaborating on the film, she adds, “The film has an interesting premise and it explores the nexus between politicians and the corporate world. Also, it comes with a message and after watching the film, I’m sure the public will realise the value of their vote because it is the only way to choose your representatives and your own government. If you register your opinion, it gives the power for us to determine the future course of our nation.”
The film was embroiled on plagiarism controversy when an assistant director and writer Varun Rajendran alleged that Murugadoss had copied his story Sengol to make Sarkar. Responding to the controversy, the actor hits back at the people who are spreading rumours about the issue and comes into her director’s defence. “The person in question has penned a similar story some 10 years ago and the issue has been settled out of the court earlier today.
There is no truth in the reports of Muruga sir accepting that Sarkar is a plagiarised version of that story. He has acknowledged the efforts of that writer and agreed to credit him in the titles only to encourage such people,” asserts Varalaxmi.
Meanwhile, there were rumours doing the rounds that the actor is set to tie the knot with actor Vishal soon. However, she decided to put an end to the rumours and clear the air about her relationship status.
“I’m not dating Vishal and I don’t understand why people ask this question repeatedly. He is my close friend and we share a great rapport, professionally. I’m okay if he marries someone of his choice and in fact, I’m searching for a suitable girl for him. To set the record straight, I’m not in love with Vishal and we are not getting married at all,” says Varu.
The 33-year-old actor has gone an extra mile and opted to dub for herself for the Telugu version too. “I don’t want the things to look superficial. I want to convey the emotions of my character and have decided to dub for myself. Despite being able to speak the language, I still found the process challenging. I’m glad to have pulled it with the help of my dubbing assistants,” reveals the actor, who wants to use this opportunity to leave a mark in Telugu cinema.
So, when can we see her working in a straight Telugu film? “I think my time in Telugu cinema has started only now (smiles). I will definitely work in a Telugu film and I’m waiting for a right script. Having said that, I don’t mind doing any substantial role that comes my way,” clarifies the actor.
Besides films, Varalaxmi harbour’s political ambition too. “I have a voice and I’m not afraid to use it. I will definitely take the political plunge in the next 5-10 years, but I haven’t decided on the party I represent as yet. Everybody keeps saying politics is a dirty game, but people who aren’t fearful should come and wipe it. I appeal to our generation to play a proactive role in the development of our country,” shares Varu.
She has no qualms to see her as a successor to late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and actor Jayalalithaa. “She was a fantastic woman and I had the pleasure of meeting her three times. All the time, she has spoken highly about my work. She was highly-qualified and was a wonderful administrator. It’s not an easy task for a lady to run a State and definitely, I see her as my inspiration to proudly run the State one day,” avers Varalaxmi.
Ask her on who among actors Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan will fit into the shoes of Jayalalithaa? She says, “I don’t deny that there is vacuum in Tamil Nadu politics. I’m someone who believe in the saying ‘Actions speak louder than words.’ Only time and the voting pattern will decide their fate.”
— Murali Krishna CH
muralikrishna.db@newindianexpress
@onlymurali