Suresh Gopi, one of the top stars of Mollywood, was in Chennai to prepare for the premiere of his Malayalam flick Raama Ravanan, where he plays a Lankan rebel, Thiruchelvam. The National Award-winning actor, who is best known for his action-packed police roles, plays an offbeat character in Raama Ravanan.
DC caught up with Suresh Gopi for a quick chat.
You are popular for your commercial action flicks. How did you opt for a serious film like Raama Ravanan?
Though cop roles gave me a definite standing in the industry, of late. I have started doing sensitive subjects. This film is based on Manomi, a novel written by popular writer Madhavi Kutty aka Kamala Das. When I sat for the script narration, I was literally floored by it.
Initially, director Bijau Vattapara and I were apprehensive about my character as the original story dwelt more on the romance between a Sinhalese girl and a Tamil rebel. So I asked him whether the focus was on Manomi or the Sri Lankan issue. Later, while filming, he made a few changes and the attention was more on the male protagonist, who fights for a cause. One could find the harsh reality of life in it. Mithra plays the role of Manomi.
Is this a deliberate attempt to aim for the National Award?
In a way I can say yes, after I got the National Award for Kaliyattam, I have the urge to go in for inspiring roles which have more scope to perform. On and off I am experimenting with roles. Also, I should meet the expectations of my fans, who want me to do varied roles.
Do you think the Malayalam film industry has gone the commercial way, like Tollywood and Kollywood?
(Laughs) Malayalam movies are always rated as the best. But the commercialisation is for its own survival. At the same time, people should not just run behind entertainers. Honestly the market for Malayalam films is very small. It’s the business forces which drive us to do such movies. In contrast, Tamil and Telugu films have a wider reach.
Why did you choose to premiere Raama Ravanan in Chennai?
I thought the subject was relevant and would captivate people here. Hence, we decided to screen it in Chennai first. Though a Malayalee, my heart goes out to millions of Tamils who suffered in the Lankan war. I am an Indian in my heart. And to be honest with you, I used to be fluent in Tamil till a decade ago.
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