Pathu Thala star Simbu describes Shivarajkumar as Rajinikanth of Kannada cinema: 'I can't even slightly match his acting'

Tamil star Simbu has revealed that at first, he was not ready to accept the offer to play the lead in Pathu Thala. The reason: Kannada superstar Shivarajkumar. His upcoming movie Pathu Thala is the remake of the Kannada hit Mufti and Sinbu as reprised the role that was originally played by Shivarajkumar. 

"I was told that this movie was the remake of the Kannada film Mufti. I was hesitant at first as that film was done by Shivarajkumar sir. Shivanna is a legend in Kannada cinema. I was sure that I cannot reprise the character played by him and I can't even slightly match his acting. He's like our superstar (Rajinikanth) of Kannada cinema," he noted. 

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Simbu, however, relented for the sake of Gautham Karthik, who played the second lead in the movie. "The main reason for me to accept this movie is Gautham. He's just not a good actor but also a good human being. So I agreed to this movie for his sake," he added. 

The production was delayed and Simbu went onto do Maanaadu, which helped him get out of the professional rut. 

"At that time I was overweight and it matched the character. And as you know, I underwent a transformation and Maanaadu happened. And then I had to go back to shooting Pathu Thala. If I wanted, I could have told the producer, that I will return the money as I'm in a different zone now, But, I was determined that I should finish this film for Gautham's sake," he said. 

However, there was a new problem arose when Simbu resumed shooting for Pathu Thala. His weight. This time he was underweight to look the part of a wise and middle-aged gangster, which Shivarajkumar effortlessly pulled off in the original version. Director Obeli.N.Krishna asked him to put on some weight but, Simbu was not willing as he dreaded the process of undergoing all that trouble all over again. When they did a photo test with Simbu's new physique for the movie, Simbu saw Krishna's point. "I looked like a schoolboy in that," he recalled.

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"Then I told myself when I can reduce my weight from 108 kg, why can't I gain some weight and lose again for the sake of my audience? It was a bit mature character for my real age. I can't do what Shivvana did. But, I believe I have performed this in my own style that you all can enjoy," he remarked. 

Pathu Thala is due in cinemas on March 30.