WHILE other K-town comedians make people laugh with their funny body language and witty dialogues, Appukutty is blessed with a face that’s enough to have you rolling on the floor. And he makes the most out of it. After veteran comedian Senthil, it is now Appukutty, who uses his facial expression and dazed innocence as a comic formula.
It is no wonder that he wants to attain the position that Senthil enjoyed during his time. “He is my role model,” says Appukutty.
While his latest release, Kullanari Koottam with actor Vishnu is doing well, Appukutty has progressed to play the lead character in his next flick, Azhagarsamiyin Kuthirai. “It was Suseenthiran sir who introduced me in his first movie, Vennila Kabadi Kuzhu (VKK). But I couldn’t believe myself when he told me that I was to play a vital character in Azhagarsamiyin Kuthirai.” He adds, “If there is any satisfying episode in my cinema career, it is the Azhagarsamiyin Kuthirai period.” Another aspect that Appukutty cherishes in the movie is that Ilayaraja has sung for him in it.
“The song Kuthikkira Kuthikkira is very special to me, as Ilayaraja sir has changed his voice to suit mine on screen.” Talking about Saranya Mohan, his partner in the movie, he says, “I knew her from the VKK days, so I didn’t need any getting used to. She is a simple and talented actor.” This Tiruchendur-based actor came to Chennai almost 18 years ago to try his luck in the film industry. But it was only during the shooting of Deepavali that he met Suseenthiran, and things started to happen in his favour.
He also thanks Balaji, the director of Kullanari Koottam, for having brought together the VKK team again. “We had all become close friends since Vennila Kabadi Kuzhu’s shooting, and waited for an opportunity to act together again.
Balaji made it possible.” Appukutty hopes that people would like his “serious comedy” in Kullanari Koottam.
The actor is currently working in six projects, including Pugalidam and Thalaippu Seithigal, and wants to focus only on comedy for now. “I can’t say that I’ll only take up hero roles. But if there are more characters like that of Azhagarsami, why not,” he signs off.
PS: Appukutty is also busy searching for a perfect soul mate.