It’s not easy being a comedian. To even be considered one, you not only need to have a sense of humour, but also keen observation, wit, an impeccable sense of timing and more importantly, courage. Actor and comedian Jagan is blessed with all of these it seems. No wonder that his popularity graph is on the rise!
Last year, Jagan did five films — Anegan, Sagaptham, India Pakistan, Savaale Samaali and Thoongavanam and in all of them, his performances were appreciated by both audiences and critics. This year, he began with Uyire, Uyire, which is now running in theatres. “The small role I play in Uyire Uyire was done by Ali in Telugu. The situation is that the hero has to meet his girl friend’s brother. Instead, he sends me to meet the girl’s brother. What ensues is a very funny sequence,” says Jagan, who adds that he is a part of the eagerly awaited sequel of the classic Manal Kayiru (1982), which featured S Ve Shekher and Visu.
“Manal Kayiru 2 is Shekher’s son’s film. In the original version, Shekar lays down 10 conditions and tells Visu that he would only marry a girl who meets all these conditions. However, eventually, they get him married to a girl who does not meet any of these terms. In the sequel, Shekher has a daughter and this time, it is the girl who lays down 10 conditions and says only a guy meeting all the conditions can be her husband,” he says.
Jagan plays an ad film maker, who is also the bridegroom’s friend. “Though the core idea for the sequel came from Shekher sir and his team, it was developed by Madan (director of 2013’s Yaaruda Mahesh), who is also directing the film. Visu plays the very popular character of Narathan Naidu in this sequel too,” explains Jagan, who is all praise for Visu and Madan.
“Madan has a great sense of humour and is brilliant. Visu sir is a legend. Right from the time I was in school, I would watch Visu sir’s films several times on screen. I have always admired his work. To even think that I am now working with him is kind of surreal for me,” he gushes.
Finally, ask him about the other film that he is working on at the moment and Jagan signs off saying, “It is Vinodan. This film is being produced by Prabhu Deva Studios in association with Isari Velan. This too is a nice movie which is being directed by a young director called Victor.”