Few actors get the chance to course-correct in the middle of their career. Karthi did just that with Madras. After a series of starry films, he decided to indulge the actor in him. His gamble paid off and he learnt a couple of lessons — the audience likes him in ‘serious’ roles, and that he works best when pushed out of his comfort zone.
So, he’s going to do it again with Muthiah’s rural drama Komban, which has him sporting a handlebar moustache and deals with the relationship between a father-in-law and son-in-law.
Says Karthi, “The maamanar-maapillai relationship is fraught with emotions. Women bond well even if they’ve met for minutes. Men take time to warm up. It’s great to recreate that.” Sharing screen space with him is powerhouse performer Rajkiran. “Working with a veteran is an opportunity to hone your craft. And Rajkiran sir swears by character graph. He would say: ‘Idhu pathaadhu, innum nalla thittunga. Character vidakoodadhu.’ (This isn’t enough, be harsher; stay in character).”
Karthi was worried that Komban might carry shades of Paruthiveeran, the film that made him a star. “But they couldn’t be more different. There, I was a drunk and a wastrel. Here, I am a teetotaller, a righteous man who cares for his village. Plus, I’m married. Being a ‘screen’ husband calls for a certain maturity. That drew me. And though the film is commercial, we have kept it real.”
Working with a new crop of exciting directors and actors doesn’t mean Karthi has wished away his past. “I’m proud of all my films. They have made me what I am.” But going offbeat is a leap of faith. “You trust the director. And when they are new, they come with an endearing sincerity. The sets throb with energy.” When enthusiasm meets experience, the result is astounding. “There’s space for discussion. I have the freedom to tell them if I think we are veering away from the script. Everyone is invested in the film.” Clearly, it’s great to be working at a time when the script is king. “It’s the roadmap. We don’t have the luxury of thinking what to do after hitting the sets. No one shoots without a bound script.”
Next up is Kashmora, co-starring Nayantara and Sri Divya. There’s a guessing game about what the title means — “I don’t know either! I loved Gokul’s funny Idharkuthane Aasaipattai Balakumara. This one’s a fantasy… the characterisation impressed me.”
Besides, there is Vamsi Paidipally’s Tamil-Telugu bilingual, where Karthi co-stars with Nagarjuna. How does he feel about emoting in a new language? “I’m nervous. I don’t know how heroines do it all the time, so effortlessly!”
Karthi is obviously enjoying this learning phase. “It’s nice to try new things. You rediscover yourself.”
A tiny voice calls out ‘Apppaaaa’. Umayaal, Karthi’s two-year-old, walks into the room. “If you’ll excuse me,” says the fond father, “I’ll go learn ‘Wheels on the Bus’.”
