It is no new formula in Tamil film industry where careers shift paths, and artists discovering a new way of presenting themselves. It has been since the time of Rajinikanth, who was introduced as villain, and went on soon to become a celebrated hero onscreen. While there have been many who have changed their gears and went on to prove, the latest is actor Sathish who started out as a comedian and now has transcended as a protagonist.

As he waits for the release of his film Sattam En Kaiyil on September 20, a thriller, the actor has already played leads in films like Naai Sekhar and Conjuring Kannapan. However, it is Sattam En Kaiyil his first film which will be devoid of any comical element. “From the first shot, this film delves into the story. Usually there is an opening scene to introduce the protagonist but in Sattam En Kayil, it straightly goes into the story and there is no room for anything else. The story happens in one night, and there is no scope for fun,” Sathish notes.

Sathish Interview for Sattam En Kayil

Being a comedian, Sathish says that while filming he does come up with funny one-liners for the scenes, but also understands that Sattam En Kayil is not a place for that. “For example, there is a scene in the film where a character beats me up and also has to offer me tea. There will be two other criminals who will be already under arrest, and we did playfully exchange some funny one liners but did not keep it in the shot because this film is not the place for that,” Sathish recalls.

Asked if Sathish had always wanted to be a protagonist, the actor says that it was never on his mind until he heard the story of Naai Sekhar. “I liked it very much, but even in that film the dog plays the important role. Given the name of AGS Entertainment associated with it, and how the project shaped up, I took up doing it. While I thought I will continue playing comedian, I came across Conjuring Kannapan which was also liked by many. With this film, it is a thriller and I am naturally a fan of that genre and binge watch shows like Money Heist and Squid Game.”

The actor understands that as he has begun headlining projects, the responsibilities have also increased and the stakes are higher. However, with Sattam En Kayil, Sathish credits his team and cast, including actors Ajay Raj, Pavel Navagethan, Mime Gopi, Rithika, and others. He praises, “Rithika who is heavily pregnant, has been promoting the film a few days ahead of delivery as well. She has been talking about the film with patience, and supported by her husband. Her role too in the film is filled with suspense and only the final shot reveals the truth about her.”

Working in thrillers

Sathish thinks that post pandemic, people have begun to develop an appetite for thrillers and dark content. He also thinks this is because unlike comedy which is might be specific to language, a thriller or horror can easily connect with audience across. He continues, “My friends also ask recommendations for horror and thriller films, during the pandemic. So naturally this genre has got a fanbase and everyone can to watch. If you are seeing a commercial film you want a star like Vijay sir who can fight, dance, and act. But with thrillers, it is all about the story.”

The actor feels that off late, Tamil cinema has successfully broken away from the template commercial film format, and moved to more story-oriented ones. Quoting the examples of Viduthalai and Maharaja, Sathish says these films have been able to place content over commercial elements. In the same way, the actor says Sattam En Kayil will be a film to place story above everything else.

Sathish reiterates how Sattam En Kayil will be a theatre watch, given its technical elements. “The director, Chaachi, is a perfectionist who would not leave us until he gets what he wants. Now, that I am playing the hero, it does demand more and naturally we do take up more responsibilities. I am guarantee that this film will be a decent thriller and will justify the title,” he adds.

Asked what he expects from a thriller in general, Sathish says, “First is the twist, which keeps us confusing until the final shot, secondly, the twist should be logically explained, and finally, the nail-biting experience and confusion throughout. I think Sattam En Kayil will have all of these.”

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