Exclusive! I was scared to death thinking about what people would talk about my performance: Selvaraghavan

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that director-turned-actor Selvaraghavan is riding a new wave, that of an actor. Be it Althaf Hussain in Nelson Dilipkumar's Beast or Sangaiah in Arun Matheswaran's hard-hitting Saani Kaayidham (an Amazon Prime Video release), Selvaraghavan has managed to strike the right note in his acting stints. The actor, who is basking in the success of his latest offering, Saani Kaayidham, speaks to OTTplay about why the searing revenge action drama will remain close to heart, his unnerving experience facing the camera and how he was quite anxious about the audience's reaction to his work. Excerpts from the interview...

Your recent outing Saani Kaayidham is being appreciated by the critics and audience. Did you expect such a phenomenal response?

I was actually shivering and was quite anxious about how the audience would perceive and receive the film. I am glad they liked it.

The film's director Arun Matheswaran had said that he had written the character of Sangaiah with you in mind. Is that the reason that you decided to get on board?

When he was reading the script and narrating the story of Saani Kaayidham, I could see one thing clearly, his vision of the film. Being a filmmaker myself, perhaps, it was a tad easier for me to grasp what his vision was, and to understand what kind of film it would turn out to be. Also, I wanted to be part of good cinema. 

How did you prepare for the character of Sangaiah?

I never prepared for the role. In fact, I went to the set with a blank mind. But, I was clear right from the beginning that I should be able to bring out at least a bit of what Arun expected me to and that he should be satisfied with my performance.  In fact, I have always been like this. I never prepare for anything. I just dive into the swimming pool and see what happens. Maybe that's in my personality.

Was it difficult slipping into the character?

I am a very calm person in real life. So, it was actually easy for me to get into the skin of Sangaiah's character.

Were you convinced with your portions after you finished filming?

I didn't get a chance to see what I had done. I was waiting to see the reactions. I was scared to death thinking about what people would talk about my performance. I was apprehensive about whether the audience would accept me as an actor. That fear has not gone away. I still have it!

How was Keerthy Suresh as a co-star?

She was magical! It was like magic happening in front of our eyes. Be it Arun or Yamini (Yagnamurthy, cinematographer), we all watched a great actress performing right in front of us. We were happy that we were all part of the process and experience.

While Ponni is a restless character in the film, Sangaiah is quite calm and composed. How did you strike that balance?

The credit goes to the director. It's interesting when two characters, who are poles apart from each other, have to work together. And we are all different type of human beings, aren't we? Also, we all appreciate when a relationship is shown in a beautiful manner. In this case, that of a brother and sister. Arun has tried to make the film as realistic as possible. I think that's what people liked the most about the film. 

You are a director who has taken the plunge into acting. How was the experience working under another director? Was there any exchange of ideas on the set?

There was absolutely nothing like that! I had decided even before I began working on Saani Kaayidham that no one on the set should ever feel that there was another director among them. I just hoped to deliver what I would expect from an actor, if I were helming the film. I saw myself as an actor alone and that helped me a great deal. Also, it was important that I gave Arun that kind of space and freedom. 

Did you, being an experienced director, help Arun in any way? Also, was it easier for you because Saani Kaayidham is a rustic film, something that you are known for as a director.

I didn't tell Arun anything. In fact, I would sit alone on the set thinking about my character. Saani Kaayidham is entirely Arun's vision and he converted it into a beautiful film. Trust me, until I finished the film, I never even gave a thought to my movies. All I was thinking of was what was the director and the script expecting from me. 

So, how was it facing the camera?

For the first few days, I was quite nervous. How would you feel if you are suddenly pushed into an unfamiliar territory? It took some time to get used to being in front of the camera. There was a lot of learning. After some time, the process became easier and eventually, exciting.

Now that you have completed three films as an actor- Beast, Saani Kaayidham, and Naane Varuven, would you be open to doing more films?

It depends on the filmmaker. If they want me, I am always available.

What kind of roles are you looking at?

It doesn't matter how many scenes I have in the film. It could even be one scene! But the character should excite me and affect me in some way. If something like that comes my way, I will do the film. 

Do you have a dream role?

Saani Kaayidham itself was a big dream. I think films like this should be enjoyed by the audience and they deserve to win. 

Of late, a number of films have delved into caste-based discrimination. Saani Kaayidham, too, revolved around it...

This is Arun's take on the issue. We cannot look away and say that caste discrimination doesn't happen today. It's time to remind ourselves that it's wrong and that every single person is equal. 

What was your biggest takeaway from Saani Kaayidham?

Right from the beginning, I had been telling myself that this would be a beautiful film and I believed in it completely. It was a great experience working with such talented technicians, actors and actresses. I am never part of something without a reason and this film had my heart. And I think as long as you enjoy something, you should do it.