Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar was a simple man: Ponniyin Selvan actor Sarath Kumar

Sarath Kumar was delighted with the response to his role as Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar in Mani Ratnam's recently released, Ponniyin Selvan-1. Rajinikanth originally wanted to play this character. Nevertheless, the ace filmmaker respectfully declined to cast the Superstar, as it would be disappointing for his fans.

“Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar protects the Chola kingdom, not the Chola royals. It is the people to whom he is loyal,” said Sarath Kumar.

The actor-politician recollected how he was chosen to play Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar. “Even though I would have taken any role, I was elated to be cast as Pazhuvettaraiyar. I was told I would fit the role since I was already known to work out and keep myself in shape. Furthermore, Pazhuvettaraiyar, a legendary warrior with sixty-four battle scars, needed someone physically intimidating. It was a privilege to be a part of this magnum opus.”

Sarath Kumar added it is admirable that such a mammoth production has been attempted by Lyca, Mani Ratnam and fellow artists and technicians.

There is no doubt that all grey characters are complex and woven in that way, but Sarath Kumar thinks the Chola warrior did not think that way himself.

“Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar would not consider himself complicated. As a person, he is simple. As a well-wisher for the Chola empire, he has the best interests of the kingdom at heart.”

As Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar, Sarath Kumar holds high regard for his character. “It is Nandini (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan) who reveals his antagonistic traits. He doesn't think Ponniyin Selvan (Jayam Ravi) or Aditha Karikalan (Vikram) are unqualified; he just thinks Madhuranthagan (Rahman) would make a better king. As far as I am concerned, Pazhuvettaraiyar is a nobleman.”

Sarath Kumar details what went on the sets of Ponniyin Selvan. “We started by reading the script, during which Mani sir thoroughly defined each role, even down to the decibel and intonation that each word should be delivered in. There was dead stillness, no cell phones were allowed, and no one initiated the conversations. We had to sound good when we said the lines.”

Then, he talks about a particularly difficult day of the shoot. “This sequence was challenging to do, therefore I anticipate it will appear in part two. Pazhuvettaraiyar is supposed to be feeling guilty and defeated in this scene. Even if I was supposed to appear shattered, I still shouldn't kneel, he told me. Mani sir has a deep understanding of this character.”

Sarath Kumar heaps praise on his co-star, Aishwarya Rai. “She is a fantastic person, who radiates friendliness and respect.”

Up next, he has a bunch of interesting projects in the pipeline, including Naana, Aazhi, Nirangal Moondru, Porthozhil, and a sequel to his 1997 blockbuster Suryavamsam.

As a result of Vetrimaaran's statement at a recent event, which claimed that Raja Raja Cholan was not a Hindu king, the issue has generated much controversy. “Hinduism, as we know it today, did not exist during those times; instead, we had Shaivism, Vaishnavism, and Samanam, which were later unified into one single religion,” Kamal Haasan said in support of the filmmaker's assertion.

Expressing his thoughts on the same issue, Sarath Kumar said, “Although we do not refer to ourselves as apes, humans did originate from apes. We don't even refer to them as humans. How can discussing these issues help our country? Similarly, Just because Tamil Nadu was originally called Madras Presidency, it would not be a valid argument to say this is not Tamil Nadu. What specifically do we gain now from studying whether the chicken or the egg came first?”

Sarath Kumar opposed Vetrimaaran's stance and those of his supporters. “It would not be a good strategy to judge new titles and definitions by who or what came earlier and then reject them as a result.”

The actor continued by emphasising that we should be concentrating instead on pertinent contemporary challenges like global warming, air pollution, resource depletion and Covid-19. “It would not be prudent to find out what religion Raja Raja Cholan practised at a time when human settlements on Mars seem possible. It would be nice if we instead showed the same amount of excitement for spreading Raja Raja Cholan's glory throughout the entire world.”