Thiru Manickam actor Samuthirakani interview: On playing the noble man, next directorial School Bus, and how his good handwriting got him chance in films

Director-turned-actor Samuthirakani may now have become that very recognisable face onscreen, that you can almost adapt into any role given. Be it as a supporting cast, or the leading man, Samuthirakani has done it all. But with the upcoming Thiru Manickam, it is the first time, he will be playing a lead role that also becomes the title of the film.

“I think, yes. It is the first time a film is titled after my character. But to be very honest, I don’t feel the difference. This film also has a younger self of my character, which was quite rare. Of course, Thalaikootal had a different take on it,” says Samuthirakani in a chat with OTTplay.

As the actor mentions Thalaikootal, a film that had a different take on euthanasia and went on to become an underrated film and not much celebrated, Samuthirakani says, “A lot of good films go through that phase, where the credits are earned much later. People will begin to celebrate films much later. Had it had done at the time of its release; many such good films would have come. A film like Thalaikootal, even producers knew it would not be celebrated, but he did not want to miss the opportunity of making good films. People too should support good films.”

Talking about how good films earn the recognition through digital viewing, he adds, “Had the audience celebrated back then in theatres, many such films would have come. But again, we cannot complain and fret. All of us are busy, and we do not have rights to call them out.”

Also read: Thiru Manickam teaser out: Watch out for Samuthirakani narrate the tale of deer vs forest 

Samuthirakani interview for Thiru Manickam

In Thiru Manickam, Samuthirakani plays a middle-aged man who lives with his family. Asked about how Tamil cinema has been finding opportunities to make a protagonist from older characters, Samuthirakani says, “We had had, during the times of Sathyaraj sir, Sivakumar sir, and others. But in between, the trend got lost and now it is getting regained. You need actors to play such roles. Now, there is someone like me, sometimes Vijay Sethupathi does play such roles. A film like Maharaja, no one else apart from him can do.”

Samuthirakani, who started off as a writer-director in small screen, made serials, then films, before making his acting debut, admits, he had always wanted to be in front of the camera. But it does sound funny when it was his good handwriting that catapulted him into making entry into industry. “I did enjoy writing and directing. But my journey began with copywriting. Every time I gave my photo for acting stints, I write my address on the back of my photograph. They liked my handwriting, and wanted someone to do copywriting. By chance, they wanted someone to work as assistant director since I could narrate and write well. Slowly, I became as a director and it was completely unplanned.”

He gets candid that Samuthirakani never toiled hard after he once made entry into the industry. “When they asked me to write, I took it up rather than sticking to what I really wanted to do. After I began to pursue all the chances that came my way, 16 years later, Sasikumar approached me to act. I believe that nature has its way of giving,” he adds.

Also read: Thiru Manickam release update: Samuthirakani's film to hit theatres on this date 

‘I am a switch on-off actor’

Samuthirakani says he is a switch on-off actor and filmmaker, and sticks to what he has come to do on a particular set. The actor who balances between doing lead and supporting roles, witnessed about 9 releases this year alone. “I don’t keep a count, but it is my family who support me immensely. My wife understands that I may not be available all the time. When I am at home, I am always with them and do nothing. But when it’s work, and the cameras are switched on, a magic happens. If we tend to cheat, it might not work.”

Speaking about Thiru Manickam, the actor-filmmaker says there is lot of truth in it. “We may not be there in another some years, but films will go on to exist. So why not leave some good thoughts behind? I see it as my responsibility to give it back to people who have showered us with love.” He goes on to say that as an actor, he sees offering entertainment as his responsibility, whereas as a writer and director, he can decide and determine what he wants to do.

As Samuthirakani signs off, he reveals about his next directorial which is titled School Bus. While he will also star in it, the film will be made in Tamil, Hindi and English. “It is about the responsibilities of a school bus driver, and will pave way for discussions.”