Santosh Soban on Anni Manchi Sakunamule: I was envious of Malvika Nair’s talent

Santosh Soban, who was seen in a flurry of releases in the recent months, Sridevi Shoban Babu, Like Share & Subscribe, is gearing up the release of the biggest project in his career - Anni Manchi Sakunamule. The experience of associating with director Nandini Reddy and a huge banner like Vyjayanthi Movies thoroughly left him enriched. He talks more about it in a chat with OTTplay.com

Signing Anni Manchi Sakunamule with a reputed banner:

I came on board for a project with the banner back in 2018, Priyanka Dutt had signed an advance cheque. My dad, Sobhan, too worked with the banner earlier. It took us five years to find the right script, make the film and release it at the right time. I was aware that the film had an ensemble cast during the scripting stage. Nandini Reddy auditioned me for the part and I was roped in. While I worked with Vennela Kishore, it was my first project with most actors involved with it.

Working with the ensemble cast, Malvika Nair:

I got to share a terrific camaraderie with Sowcar Janaki on and off the screen. We call each other ‘Darling’ in the film and I’m surprised that I got to play such a role in my younger years. She was truly a sweetheart and shared many memories from her past. Even Vasuki plays a fine role; everyone will remember her as an ideal sister yet again after Tholi Prema. The emotions, light-hearted scenes have shaped up so well. I want to act more with her.

With Rajendra Prasad, I've mimicked his April 1 Vidudhala performance to better my comic timing. Malvika Nair is someone who can act with her eyes alone and she is extremely talented. I was envious of her talent at times. There are three phases in our on-screen equation in the film and I’m sure you’ll come out appreciating our chemistry.

The vibe of Anni Manchi Sakunamule and association with Nandini Reddy:

When I watched Ala Modalaindi, I felt someone genuinely made a rom-com after many years and drew audiences into the story. I wanted to work with her ever since and I consider myself lucky to have grabbed this opportunity. It was a magical experience. This is the biggest project in my career and merits a big-screen experience. When I heard the title, I felt it was true to the story. When I recently watched the film sans the background score, I was more than relieved.

This is not a rom-com but a fam-com. Nandini Reddy knows how to make viewers laugh and cry at once; that’s the USP of Anni Manchi Sakunamule. The drama and the emotions will feel very original. The Prabhas-reference scene, seen in the trailer, unfolds in Europe. It was good fun to do a scene with a reference to my favourite actor. You’ll enjoy it.

On auditioning for the film and comparing it with Ek Mini Katha:

I don’t consider it an issue if I am asked to audition. I’ve been a theatre artiste and it’s okay to prove your mettle to those who aren’t aware of your work. I play Rishi in the film, the role is in stark contrast to my part in Ek Mini Katha, that ran on my shoulders. Here, I didn’t have any such burden and had a blast shooting for it. I was surprised by my acting later.