I will continue to act in rural movies despite criticism, says Sasikumar

Chennai, Nov 21 (COIN) Actor Sasikumar, who plays the lead in director Hemanth’s upcoming rural action entertainer ‘Kaari’, says that he will continue to act in films set in a rural backdrop despite the criticism he was facing for it.

Speaking at a pre release event of ‘Kaari’, which is scheduled to hit screens on November 25 this year, said, “I have come in for a lot of criticism for my decision to consistently do rural-based movies.

“I would like to clarify that I come from a rural backdrop. I have lived my life there. This is my identity and my culture. If I am successful today in what I am doing, it’s because of the villages that have nurtured me. So, it’s my duty to give back something and I will continue to act in rural movies unmindful of the criticism.

“Producer S Lakshman Kumar has fulfilled my desire that I had as a producer. He made sure that everyone in the crew got good food while shooting.

“Actor JD Chakravarthy plays the villain in this film. He extremely supportive and caring. Once, while shooting for a sequence, I was almost gored by a bull. I had a lucky escape as its horns missed me by a whisker. Chakravarthy immediately asked me to be careful while shooting with bulls and asked me not to take such risks.

“This is the ninth movie that I am working with a debut filmmaker. The reason why I didn’t openly appreciate Hemanth is because I want the audiences to do it. The success of this film shouldn’t be marked by producer Lakshman gifting him a car, but by the producer signing him up for his next project with actor Karthi.”

Pointing out that the several real Jallikattu players had been helpful throughout the shooting of the film, Sasikumar said, “Even then, there were a few occasions when Jallikattu bulls almost attacked me, and I have had narrow escapes. I have promised the jallikattu players that I will watch the First Day First Show of this film along with them. I will keep my word.

“‘Kaari’ is a movie for audiences from all walks of life. It’s a film about Jallikattu. We have delineated 18 varieties of cows in this movie. ‘Kaari’ is the first-ever big budgeted movie in my career. I will officially announce my next directorial venture during the success meet of this movie.”

The film is being produced by Prince Pictures S Lakshman Kumar. Malayalam actress Parvathy Arun plays the female lead in this film, which marks her debut in Kollywood. Debut filmmaker Hemanth is directing this movie, which has musical score by D Imman.