Comedian-turned-hero Santhanam speaks to City Express about Dhilluku Dhuddu, which is gearing up for a release this week. It’s not easy for a comedian to turn hero, but Santhanam firmly believes such a transition will happen when it is meant to.
“I started my career in television and then ventured into films as a comedian. Later, I became a producer. Now, I am a hero. I’m grateful to god for whatever I am today. I count myself lucky. Though the process sounds easy, it was actually not,” says Santhanam.
Interestingly, as we talk, the Kanna Laddu Thinna Aasaiya actor gets philosophical and emotional. “I am a happy person. I managed to get everything I wanted. Honestly, I never thought I’d become this successful or popular. But deep down, I am scared. Everyone expects a lot from me. Also, everyday, the level of pressure keeps increasing — in a way that’s good — because expectations drive me to push myself harder. All the wiser now, I am focusing solely on doing lead roles. I treat every film of mine like my first one,” he smiles.
The man, who has mastered the art of making people laugh, says it’s quite gratifying to see how directors believe in him as an artiste. “And of course, the audience. Without their love and support, I am nothing. I’d keep thinking about what to do next and how differently I can perform. Like everybody says, comedy is a serious business. If you can make anyone laugh, you can perform any role. Take the legendary Charlie Chaplin, for example. I think the most intelligent actors are comedians. As they say, ‘He must be no simpleton who plays the part of a fool’,” he smiles.
Santhanam surprises us by saying he’s open to even grey-shaded characters. “When Nagesh did Kadhalikka Neramillai (1964) or Ethir Neechal (1968), nobody knew he would play such a powerful villain in Apoorva Sagodharargal (1989) in the subsequent years. If something interesting comes my way, I don’t mind grabbing it,” he grins and quickly adds, “I want to do all of them; I don’t mind the hard work, but I’ll never disappoint my audience. That’s why, from doing comedy roles, I’ve graduated to a hero.”
Santhanam tells us he has been keen on equipping himself on the different aspects of cinema like composing, art direction, writing and direction, too. So, does that mean filmmaking on cards? “Definitely, yes. Life is all about taking risks and how we satisfy and re-invent ourselves. I believe in myself and every stage of ours requires a different version of ourselves. That’s human nature. Whenever Arya and I meet, I keep telling him stories. I will direct, but not in the immediate future,” he says.
When asked about the horror-comedy Dhilluku Dhuddu, he says he has attempted something in the film which he hasn’t done so far. “Initially, I found the fight sequences and dance steps difficult. But I never gave up. I’ve attempted a ‘mass’ dance number titled Sivan Maganda, which required nearly 100 dancers and 400 junior artistes. I think that was challenging to pull off. Shanaya plays the leading lady and Bollywood actor Saurabh Shukla plays an important role,” he explains.
And what’s next?” I’ve acted with almost everyone, except Kamal Haasan sir. I am a die-hard fan of his and want to act with him, at least in a cameo,” he laughs.
The actor says cutting down on projects is helping him come up with fresh ideas. “I have Anand Balki’s Server Sundaram lined up for release. We’re planning for it to hit the screens by September. I also have a couple of untitled flicks in my kitty,” he grins.