RDX actor Babu Antony: Action movies were considered ‘cheap’ by some people in Malayalam film industry in the past

In an action film like RDX: Robert Doney Xavier, which is teeming with young talent such as Shane Nigam, Antony Varghese and Neeraj Madhav, for a veteran star to get the loudest cheer in theatres is no mean feat. But that’s the kind of impact Babu Antony has had over the years, thanks to him defining action movies in Malayalam in the 1990s.

The actor, who will next be seen in Thalapathy Vijay and Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Leo, humbly takes in all appreciation and tells OTTplay that he’s “just cashing in on” all the right choices he made back in his heyday. In an exclusive chat with us, Babu Antony talks about the characters that are being offered to him now, RDX and his collaboration with Mammootty in Bazooka. 

Your last release in Malayalam was Madanolsavam, which had you doing comedy – something that the audience don’t really associate you with. What was your reaction when the makers pitched you the film?

When they approached me for a film like Madanolsavam, I was very happy because t hey had the confidence that I would be able to pull it off. I was offered comical roles earlier too, but when I went through the story, I felt those scripts didn’t demand that character. I don’t do a film to show my range of acting; I don’t sign a film just to prove that I can do comedy. As far as Madanolsavam was concerned, I felt it had a well-sketched storyline and the character was crafted well.

Also read: Leo actor Babu Antony: Vijay and Lokesh Kanagaraj told me they are my fans

RDX has you in the 90s setting again. Was that also a reason to be part of the film apart from its obvious action mood?

It shows two different periods. It’s a ‘mass’ film with a lot of action sequences. I am happy to be part of such a movie because in the past, there was this perception among many in the Malayalam film industry that action movies were cheap. But later they realised these are the kind of movies that outlive others; it’s what happens around the world. That’s why there are a lot of action movies coming up. Several people have also planned action-heavy films with me in the lead. I believe it’s a good sign because people go to theatres for a big screen experience and action is the best way to provide that for the audience. Other movies can also do that, through camera work and scale; but action is the best and easiest way to do that.

Also read: RDX movie review: Shane Nigam, Antony Varghese's film rides high on pulsating action scenes 

You are also shooting with Mammootty for Bazooka. What can you tell us about working with him again and that too Kaloor Dennis’ son Deeno’s movie?

People used to love the combination between Mammukka and I, Lal and I and also those with Jayaram and Suresh Gopi. Unfortunately, those didn’t happen much. When I work with young filmmakers like Deeno, I feel comfortable because there is respect. It’s the same with actors. For instance, in RDX, I worked with Shane, Neeraj and Pepe (Antony Varghese). They wouldn’t sit till I did.

I recently worked in Oru Jathi Jathakam, directed by M Mohanan. He told me he’s a huge fan and had even come to the location of Chantha, waiting to see me. Everyone from the production controller to the scriptwriter were telling me that they enjoyed my movies. That is my capital. I worked very hard and very sincerely for my films. I never tried to show myself off. I picked good characters and chose films instead of signing everything that came to me. I think that is what I’m cashing in on now.