Thadayam actor Samuthirakani: Once I play a full-fledged comic role, you will forget my other characters | EXCLUSIVE

Looking at Samuthirakani, who is one among those Tamil directors who turned into actors, one might not think that in fact it was acting that he began to do, while assisting K Balachander. Even before his maiden directorial Unnai Charanadaindhen in 2003, he appeared in Tamil sitcom Ramany Vs Ramany. Through his sporadic appearances, the director had appeared in various side characters to drive the sitcom's episodic stories. He recalls, "Whenever the makers could not get right artistes, they would ask me to fill in. I was like a company artiste. It was a great experience that I gained, and I don't think I got such roles in films after that. My character used to be innocent and nervous."

What did Thadayam actor Samuthirakani say about his earliest acting days?

But since then, Samuthirakani has played lead roles, supporting roles, antagonists, acted in other’s directorial, and even in his own films. How has acting changed since then, given it has been more than two decades since Ramany Vs Ramany had aired? “Acting was then on director’s hands. It was their product and they can make anyone act. I have pulled people from the streets to act and I still do it. If I find a suitable face, I will ask them and make them act. But now the choices are not made by one but many. It is like everyone in the kitchen putting salt in food,” Samuthirakani answers.

What Samuthirakani plays in Thadayam?

Upcoming, Samuthirakani stars in his debut web series Thadayam. In the ZEE5 powered crime drama, the actor-director plays a cop probing a serial killer case. Samuthirakani, who has helmed television serials and even made OTT film Vinodhaya Sitham, sees streaming platforms as a ‘bigger version’ of television. “There have been weekly serials back then too. But since those formats got shaky, OTT space took it up. It is a healthy sphere and something that can bring revenue beyond cinema. Now OTT is one of the top players,” he says.

Also read: Thadayam OTT release: A killer who steals symbols of marriage and clever cop Athiyamaan; how does Samuthirakani’s web series connect these two

In Thadayam, Samuthirakan plays SI Adhiyaman who first comes across off, but shows his intelligence. He adds, “I have played cops before, but this is subtle. More than this, this story has some justice to uphold. There is perception easily formed when seeing simpletons as criminals. Take for example, the custodial death of B Ajith Kumar, just because he was a security guard. The phrase ‘agathin azhagu mugathil theriyum’ (face is the index of the mind), is used in a different context. But you cannot use that and brand someone simply by seeing them. Thadayam talks about this, and not to judge someone too quick.” Samuthirakani talks about the psychology of humans and evolution. “Now, just being good and honest has become a thing to celebrate. A do-gooder has become an anomaly. Then to what extent have we lost humanity to celebrate mere goodness. That is what we are moving forward.”

Also read: Thadayam OTT release date: When, where to stream Samuthirakani’s murder mystery series

After playing many cop roles, Samuthirakani says that he does not plan to have each one different, but points out how they are similar either. “It’s not a planned thing. It is just about how we imbibe the characters and what the filmmaker brings. If you see in Writer, the character is different from that of Thadayam. It is a god’s grace.”

Having played many serious roles, Samuthirakani says he loved comedy and adds that he has not got characters to perform it. “Once I get such character, I will make sure you forget all the characters I did earlier. I have not yet found what I am searching for. I want to become a good comedian, but that has made me go chasing after it. Of course, I have dabbled on comedy in films like Rajini Murugan and MGR Magan, but haven’t done a full-fledged comedy,” Samuthirakani says.

Some of Samuthirakani’s films like Thalaikoothal have been often called as underrated, and the actor understands that each creation will get a time for being celebrated if not immediately after release. “It took 35 years for us to celebrate Gunaa. Our responsibility is to create good films and sow seeds as and when we do. It will find its due credit when it gets. As a director and actor, I want to leave 10 films each as my imprint. I am halfway through and I am done. I can detach from the craft but I won’ retire.”

What is Samuthirakani’s next?

Up next, Samuthirakani is back to direction with School Bus. “We have finished shooting it and final mixing is on. In a week or so, it will be over. I think School Bus will be my best directorial and will champion women. Had my master director, K Balachander was there now, he would have been proud of me. I have acted as the school bus driver in the film, but my character is the background. There are about 21 children who have acted and it discusses a lot of issues. School Bus will come out this May,” he signs off.

Thadayam FAQs

Q. What is OTT release date of Thadayam?

A. Thadayam will stream on ZEE5 on February 27 via OTTplay Premium.

Q. What is Thadayam about?

A. Thadayam is a murder mystery web series about a cop solving a case about series of murders.