Sanju Sivram on how he was inspired by Tovino Thomas’ success to work hard for 4.5 Gang | Exclusive

In an exclusive interview with OTTplay, the 4.5 Gang actor Sanju Sriram said that he was inspired to go the extra mile after noticing the effort put in by Tovino Thomas into his movies such as ARM.

Tovino Thomas, Sanju Sivram

It was Tovino Thomas who introduced Sanju Sivram to filmmaker Krishand for a project way back in 2015. But since they all had a novice tag, the project did not take off. Cut to 2025, Krishand has emerged as an ace filmmaker with Sanju Sivram taking the lead role in his latest web series, 4.5 Gang, while Tovino has established himself as a force to be reckoned with in Malayalam cinema. In an exclusive chat with OTTplay, Sanju Sivram opens up about his friendship with Tovino Thomas and how the ARM actor has inspired him to challenge himself and work hard to be successful.

4.5 Gang actor Sanju Sivram on Tovino Thomas

Sanju Sivram plays the lead character of Arikuttan in Krishand's Sambhava Vivaranam Nalara Sangham or The Chronicles of the 4.5 Gang. The six-episode series follows Arikuttan's life from a plus-two student to a middle-aged man, involved in criminal activities. Recounting that it was challenging to drop weight to appear in the teenager version, Sanju said that he was inspired to go the extra mile after noticing the effort put in by Tovino Thomas into his movies, such as ARM (Ajayante Randam Moshanam).

“When you play the protagonist, you need to devote more time and effort. Tovino is a friend and I have seen the effort he has put into ARM. How is he putting in so much effort? Because he worked so hard, he got that success. Then I thought that I should also work like this one day. This (4.5 Gang) is an opportunity for me to do something like that. So I didn’t want to dilute my efforts. So I have put in more effort than that is required,” recounted Sanju.

Tovino Thomas starred in the 2024 hit film Ajayante Randam Moshanam, sporting three distinct appearances as he played three characters from different timelines. Jithin Laal directed the film, which grossed Rs 100 crore at the box office, becoming Tovino’s first solo hit. Sanju is also featured in ARM, along with actor-filmmaker Basil Joseph.

Friendship with Tovino Thomas

Sanju Sivram also divulged further into the shelved project that connected him to Krishand a decade ago

“Back in 2025, Tovi said that Krishand has an interesting project, which would be suitable for us. That’s how I first met Krishand in Bombay. But that project did not happen. It was not easy at that time to execute that project. The production side did not feel either of us was bankable. But I still have that same bond with Tovino,” he recounted.

Tracing his friendship with Tovino, Sanju said that the Malayalam star has been a good friend, then and now. “Such friendships are always an asset in our lives, those who inspire us. I consider such friendships to be very precious. There are only certain people who always support us. One of them is Tovino. (Admire) Several aspects of Tovino, like how he cares for his family, bond with relatives. He is a very hardworking actor and always takes a lot of effort to improve himself even now,” Sanju remarked.

Sanju Sriram's latest series 4.5 Gang released on August 28, 2025, on SonyLiv via OTTplay Premium. On the other hand, Tovino Thomas was last seen as Chathan in Lokah Chapter 1 Chandra, which has emerged to be a pan-Indian blockbuster. Notably, Lokah is co-scripted by Santhy Balachandran who also appeared as Arikuttan's girlfriend in 4.5 Gang.

Also read: Not just for Lokah, Santhy Balachandran was stickler for perfection even in her debut film, vouches 4.5 Gang co-star Sanju Sivram | Exclusive

FAQs

Q. Where to watch 4.5 Gang on OTT?

A. You can watch 4.5 Gang on SonyLiv via OTTplay Premium.

Q. What is the biggest hit of Tovino Thomas?

A. The biggest solo hit of Tovino Thomas is Ajayante Randam Moshanam or ARM, which is also streaming on JioHotstar via OTTplay Premium.

Q. Is Tovino in Lokah?

A. Yes, Tovino is in Lokah. He makes a cameo appearance as Michael (Chathan) in Kalyani Priyadarshan-starrer.

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