Thursday Oct 25 2007, Chennai

Prithviraj set to conquer Telugu films

For Prithviraj, it’s celebration time.His latest film ‘Chocolate’ a downright campus flick has the box office going crazy when the other three films released alongside are reported sliding.And, making his cup of joy overfull, his latest Tamil film, Satham Podathey, has been drawing encomiums from all quarters.Prithviraj is currently busy riding two horses—cine Malayalam and Tamil film.And, he’s proving an adept rider.

He is awaiting the release of his next Tamil film Kannamoochi Ennada (slated for Diwali release) even as he is engrossed in shooting of Malayalam film Thalappaavu, a debutante- directed movie.Prithvi had bagged last year a Kerala State Film Award for his performance in Vasthavam.Prithviraj, the young Mallu celluloid icon, speaks about Chocolate and his other endeavours in a brief chat.Chocolate is doing good business.

How do you feel?
Happy, really happy ( a Chocolate smile ).I knew it’d make a popular story.It’s not me alone, everyone associated with the film knew it would be a hit.

How could you be so sure when none can predict the temperament of the audience?

Well, it is a film by Shafi, who has a string of hits to his credit.The colourfulness, the fun element, the right packaging, the slick presentation, the melodious songs, the pulse-quickening choreography…result of all these could not but be a hit movie.

What drew you to the Chocolate most?

Generally I go by the content.
The story and the character of Chocolate pulled me in.The fun element too was irresistible.There are talks that Malayalam Cinema hasn’t yet exploited your potential as an actor whereas you have been getting different and exciting kinds of roles, name, fame and money in Tamil.

What do you say to that?

I don’t agree with you on that.It was Malayalam Cinema, through Vasthavam that I got the State Award for best actor.

In Malayalam I have been doing films with prominent directors and that too this early in my career.Isn’t this proof that Malayalam Cinema is counting on me? Of course, I am getting good films and meaty roles in Tamil.But that doesn’t mean I am being neglected on the home turf.I am concentrating very much on Malayalam films.Speaking about Vasthavam,

how did the news of the State Award hit you?

Surprised, to be honest.( Laughs )

Didn’t you hope to bag the award?

Not at all (wide eyed).I didn’t even know that the film was being considered for the State Award.I was in Chennai shooting for a Tamil film when the news reached me, and it was a surprise, a real pleasant surprise.

Tell us your experience working for Vasthavam?

It was a very nice experience.The director Padmakumar is someone with whom I share a very intimate rapport and I have utmost trust in him as a director.

The character as well as the film had been well worked out, and while doing the film, I realized it was a unique experience.It might also do good business, I believed.But, the award was not even in the remotest of my dreams.

Tell us about your forthcoming films in Malayalam as well as in Tamil?

In Malayalam I am doing the Madhupal-directed Thalappaavu and the Raj Babu-directed Kangaroo.In Tamil Kannamoochi Ennada will be released soon and I am also doing Vellithira, which is a re-make of the Malayalam blockbuster Udayanaanu Thaaram.

I am also billed to do a film shortly in Telugu.(He throws a mischievous wink.)
Now, Prithviraj going to act in Telugu is a pleasant surprise for all, and Filmysouth wishes this young, flamboyant hero the best.