‘Social work has always been my forte’

Sarathkumar is a picture of perfection as he settles down for a conversation with us. At 63, he has the looks and sculpted body that could give any young actor a run for his money. He’s often mistaken for his daughter Varalaxmi’s brother we hear. However, he modestly brushes aside the compliments and begins to talk about his upcoming film Chennaiyil Oru Naal 2. This also marks his first festival release in 12 years since Ayya, which released for Pongal in 2005. “We wanted to release the film in November. However, the producer of this film said that there would be a considerable number of screens available for Deepavali and hence went ahead with the release. Also, there was this huge buzz on social media as well and we decided to capitalise on it,” he says. He is quick to add that social media is a double-edged sword. “While it has given people a platform to express their views openly, there are certain lines that should not be crossed. People need to have civil discussions and not get into abusing each other with vulgar and profane language. The space has to be used constructively,” he remarks. Sarathkumar, who plays a cop in the film, says, “The film isn’t a sequel per se to the blockbuster Chennaiyil Oru Naal (2011). We have retained the same title but have a different cast.” 

Having been in the industry for over three decades now, the actor has witnessed the transformation in the way films are made the way they’re marketed and sold. We ask him about the recent double taxation row. “There will be taxation issues, GST and price hike. But as filmmakers and artistes, it is our responsibility to give good films to the audience. The audience has always appreciated good films. So, in such a scenario, irrespective of the budget, films will be successful,” he muses. Sarathkumar has also held influential positions in industry bodies, including the president of the Nadigar Sangam for three consecutive terms. However, he was accused of misuse of the budgets allocated, with a case against him still pending in court. “I will prove my innocence when the case comes up for hearing,” he says without speaking much about the issue. 

Films apart, politics has been his other stream of public engagement. The actor, who is the founder of All India Samathuva Makkal Katchi, says that he entered politics to serve people. “Social work has always been my forte. I was popular in my school for several social activities and deeds that I’d done. There was a time when I underwent a lot of struggle both physically and emotionally. I had to get operated upon after an accident and my vocal chords were damaged. Doctors had to fix plates and screws in my neck. I never thought I would be able to lead my life normally. But it was my drive to serve the society and the passion for acting that helped me get over that tumultuous phase,” he recalls. 

Last, but not the least, he finishes by speaking about his upcoming period drama based on Mahabharata. “After Rendavadhu Aatam in which I play a cop, I will begin shooting for director Hariharan for his magnum opus. He gave me a good role in Pazhassi Raja. I believe this will be another milestone in my career. Also, I have a script based on Yoganand Shastri, which is a controversial subject,” he signs off.