Known for his roles in Radha Mohan’s films such as Azhagiya Theeye and Abhiyum Naanum, Elango Kumaravel has now tried his hand at a very different role in this Friday’s release, Kurangu Bommai.
He says, “In every job, even if it’s a shady one, there’s a bit of truth and honour. But when a person lets his greed come in the way, things go awry. I play such a person.” Ask him if it’s a deviation from the comical roles he usually does, and Elango says, “My role will be a serious one. This is the first time I’ve played a villain.”
The actor says he bagged the role thanks to Vidharth, the film’s hero. “We were a part of Koothu-p-pattarai and he’s been a good friend for years.” Elango heaps praises on director Nithilan. “We all grew up watching his films. Working with him has been a wonderful experience.” He also says, despite being a legend, Bharathiraaja, who’s acting in this film, was very down-to-earth. “It was great to see him prepare for a scene,” he adds.
When asked why we don’t see him on the big screen apart from the roles he generally gets in Radha Mohan’s films, he says, “It’s true that people remember me more for being part of his films like Azhagiya Theeye and Abhiyum Naanum. I got offered similar roles and had to let go of those other projects.”
He says he feared being typecast. “So I did films in which my roles weren’t too similar. My role in Sathuranga Vettai 2 will be something new.”
He’s also playing a pivotal role in the Nivin Pauly-starrer Richie, and is also an important part of director Vijay’s Karu and a film titled 2010.