You remember him as the firebrand comrade in ‘Thattathin Marayathu’. Deepak, who has been noted for his brief-but-striking roles in a couple of films, is all set to debut as a hero. A Vineeth Sreenivasan find, the actor will play the lead in Chandrahasan’s ‘John Paul Vaathil Thurakkunnu’. “It’s inspired from a short story of the same title by Punathil Kunjabdulla. This is the first film in which I play a full-length role,” says the MCA graduate.
The film, which has a bevy of newbies in its cast and crew, stars him in the title role. “John Paul is a village boy who lives for his family. The film shows some unexpected events that draw him to a web of deceit and revenge. The film is an emotional thriller, but it deals with a family-oriented theme,” he says.
Deepak says John Paul was offered to him during the pre-production of ‘Thira’ in which he played an uppity villain. “It was after the release of ‘Thira’ that I went through the script of John Paul. I felt it impressive and then Vineeth ettan also encouraged me to take it,” he says.
Though he has been part of a handful of films including ‘D Company’ and ‘Olipporu’ it was Vineeth Sreenivasan films that gave him the maximum boost. Deepak says he shares a special bond with the actor-director, “I met him during the audition of ‘Malarvadi Arts Club’ in which I played a miniscule role. Now he is a teacher, mentor and big brother rolled into one for me. It was his films that made me a recognisable face,” he adds.
Deepak says he has no qualms going back to supporting roles even after playing a solo hero in ‘John Paul Vaathil Thurakkunnu’. “All I want is to do good films. Lead role, supporting role or ensemble cast, I just want to be part of solid projects,” he says. After John Paul, the actor will be seen in Bijith Bala’s ‘Nellikka’ in which he shares the screen with Bollywood actor Athul Kulkarni. “The shoot is not yet over. I am keeping my fingers crossed for both the films,” he signs off.