Srikanth debuted in the Tamil film ‘Rojakootam’ which most people remembered for the song ‘Apple penne nee yaro’. His debut was made memorable by Bhoomika, who did a great job. Srikanth is among the new line up of South Indian film stars who call a spade the spade.

His film ‘Uyir’ had a controversial theme of infidelity at its centre. The film received mixed reactions though the general opinion was that such themes are good for the industry.

1. You have been dubbed ‘Ilaiya Thamizhan’ which sounds pretty bombastic even in an industry where looking up off screen titles for heroes is a favourite pass time.

Giving titles for heroes is a regular custom in the film industry. It happens everywhere. In my case, it was first used by fan associations, then it appeared on wall-posters and then directors began using it in my film credits too. In any case my title is a modest one. It doesn’t claim anything. My mother tongue is Tamil and I am young and so ‘Iliya Thamizhan’ is not too bombastic.

1. How much would you attribute your personal contribution to the success of a film?

You can’t easily pinpoint the reason for the success of a film and as for setting a percentage you have got to be nuts to take a 75% share. If you insist on a figure, I’d say about 50%. There is no getting away from the importance of the story itself. The story is the important element and it depends on how the director narrated it. That’s about how he tells the story in visuals. And then who can ignore the characterization itself? The amount of importance that each character is given eventually reflects in the types of audiences it connect with. For instance in ‘Uyir’ Sangeetha’s character is more forceful than mine. She portrays an older sister-in-law character that has obsession with her brother-in-law.

1. Isn’t all that too much for Tamil audiences?

I didn’t think so. The character Arundhathi’s mannerisms, style of dialogue delivery etc. has contributed big in connecting with the audience. So actually I think, the director’s contribution is 50% the cameraman, costumer the actors all share the rest.

1. But why you just said may be 50% is to the actors’ credit?

I think I goofed up there.

1. What is essential for the longevity of hero’s career? Do you think a step by step progress through many films or a few sensational hits is the way?

It has been proved again and again that as fast climb is not a long lasting in any field, and not just cinema. One stupendous hit followed by a string of flops mean no queues of producers and story-telling directors outside your gates. Mine is slow but sure growth. I am not too sure about that. Many actors would prefer a stupendous hit to a long steady uphill patch but he is entitled to his opinion.

1. Does a hero’s job end with shooting?

No, it is not just about the shooting. You’ve got to get involved in the story discussion phase. It helps to sharpen the characterization of not just of the hero but everybody else too. Involvement of the hero in selecting supporting actors also helps a lot. Only a few heroes take this effort in Tamil cinema. The truth of the matter is that the up coming actors are not encouraged to involve themselves. When an upcoming hero gets involved in the process he is accused of being a difficult man. It generates a kind of negative talk about how unnecessarily intrusive, you are. Most heroes come to the ‘puja’ and the next time you see them at the shooting spot. They just retreat into their private world but I talk to my directors about a lot of things. If the film release is getting delayed due to finance problems I postpone receiving my payment. I try to support the makers in every possible way.

1. What are the roles you think you are ideally suited for?

I am not gunning for those strong independent roles. I haven’t yet traveled far enough that for. I would imagine that what the audience like and what fits the trend makes for a successful movie.

1. Your soft, romantic acting are liked by audience universally viz, Rojakoottam, Parthiban, Kanavu, Uyir and others. Your action movies are failing but we see you persisting in doing action films. Why?

How many films should I be seen roaming around with a rose in my hand? Romantic heroes last only a few years. My film ‘Joot’ was appreciated at A.B and C centers. And that was an out-and-out action movie! Audiences do also ask for that kind of movies from me too. General audience especially young males prefer only action heroes. I would like to be an action hero no matter the number of movies or how long it takes. Vikram got a tremendous action hit in ‘Sethu’ after sixteen years of romantic movies. Movie makers better watch out, he is no mood to compromise. My day will come.

1. Under whose direction would you like to work?

Maniratnam, Bala and veteran directors like Bharathiraja and K. Balachandar. I regret not having worked in their movies yet.Director Manirathnam made Madhavan, Bala made Vikram, Bharathiraja made Sathyaraj, K. Balachander made Rajinikanth. I am waiting for the director who’ll make me. It’s not enough to give a hit movie. You should work with good directors. There are lots of things to learn from them.

1. Coming back to what we discussed earlier do you think your shift to action hero has proved to mistake?

You are right. The shift from lover boy image to full-fledged action hero has not been fully recognized by the audience. My first film Rojakoottam and then Parthiban Kanavu were all big hits which gave me the romantic hero image. Looking back I think I should have chosen more romantic or romantic action hero roles. Srikanth is sure to be among the hearts of Tamils but his time is yet to come.