Shanthnoo Bhagyaraj, who made his debut as a lead actor in Sakkarakatti (2008), is anticipating the release of Aayiram Vilakku. The reason for his confidence is his role. Explains the actor, “This film is of great significance for me because I’m not playing the regular chocolate boy that I have played in my previous films.”
Directed by SP Hosimin (whose previous venture was February 14), the film has Sathyaraj and Shanthnoo in lead roles. Sana Khan of Payanam fame plays the female lead. “The title signifies my character in the film. It indirectly explains that I light up the life of a gangster played by Sathyaraj. My role has been etched out very differently in this film,” says the actor. The audio has already hit the stores and the film has been slated to release in July.
Does he want to shed the chocolate boy image completely? “I want to play a character of my age and not to do roles of a 17-year old boy. But at the same time, I want to experiment new stuff, like how Dhanush performed in Aadukalam,” he reveals.
The actor has one more Tamil film in his kitty. “Directed by KS Adhiyaman (of Thoondil, Priyasakhi fame), this film has two heroes – Nakul and I. It will go on floors in July.”
Shanthnoo is also looking forward to his Telugu debut – Love in Hyderabad, a remake of Siddu +2. “The script and the hero are the same, but the rest of the cast and crew of the film are entirely different. The film is directed by Chandra Mahesh, and has Aindrita Ray in the female lead. When compared to Siddhu +2, there have been little improvisations done in the script, suiting the taste of Telugu audiences,” says the actor who is waiting for feedback. The film is in the post production stage and is likely to release soon.
Shanthnoo, who has already done a Malayalam film with Mohanlal titled Angel John (2009), says that learning Malayalam was tougher than learning Telugu. “I had tough time learning Malayalam for the film but Telugu was easier. I even wanted to dub for my Telugu flick but I couldn’t because I was busy with Aayiram Vilakku and Kandaen at that time,” he says.
The actor is open to doing films in other languages too. “I have assisted my father in Parijatham and Siddhu +2, and someday I want to direct a film as well. But honestly, I lack the experience and the exposure that my father had when he was an actor.” The actor who has been born and raised in a city, wants to experience difficulties in life. “Like they say, born with a silver spoon. I didn’t have any difficulties to face from my childhood.
Speaking about his rapport with his father, Shanthnoo says, “Working with my dad has always helped me. I haven’t assisted any other director as of now, but wish to work later. My first film was Vettiya Madichu Kattu, where my dad gave me the role that fit my age. And that’s how my entry into films came,” he says.