This conversation with Sunainaa occurred on October 15, the same day observed as the birth anniversary of former president and scientist Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. If the coincidence did not strike you yet, the actor’s upcoming film Rocket Driver also has a teen character named the late scientist who creates a wave of confusion among those around him.

“We are big fans of him, and he is a national hero. But beyond that people love him for various reasons, like the motivational speeches he gives,” Sunainaa says in this chat with OTTplay.

Sunainaa's Interview for Rocket Driver

A quick look at Sunainaa's filmography will make you stumble across certain one-off characters like Sillu Karupatti, Raja Raja Chora, and most recently Inspector Rishi. “I count myself lucky when someone approaches me by saying they had me in mind for a certain character when they were writing you. I guess I am blessed that way because the director would cast you if they want you. I have been shy and timid to go around expressing my interest to work with someone I admire, but I have also learnt to be blunt, so when I come across someone’s work, I express my intention to work with them, for nothing but love for cinema. In the comfort of my space, I have gotten a lot of roles,” says the actor.

The script of Rocket Driver was narrated to Sunainaa last year, and approached by the makers for the role of a traffic cop. When she heard the narration of the script, the actor said that it came across as a film that one would want to watch with their family. “This is not only about the late APJ Abdul Kalam sir, or the family audience, but also for many who look up to him for motivation. It felt like a feel-good film you want to watch with your loved ones.”

While wearing the khaki uniform is a wish for many actors, Sunainaa has managed to play cop twice this year. While Inspector Rishi had her as Kathy, a forest ranger, the actor plays a traffic constable in Rocket Driver. “There is a lot of situational comedy in Rocket Driver when someone says they are the former president of India but not at that age, you will laugh it off and call crazy. The script is also written in a way where it is not forced interactions,” Sunainaa says.

The actor says she goes to sets neutral so that the filmmakers can tune them as per their needs. “Director Sriram of Rocket Driver told me how he wanted my character, and tune the highs and lows accordingly. This is not a relatable situation, but it is comical and feel-good. I am so excited to be part of this film, although I play a small part. But it is one of those films you look back and proud to be part of it,” Sunainaa reveals why she took up the role.

Trying comedy in Rocket Driver

On being asked how it is doing comedy, especially when the genre is relegated to men predominantly, Sunainaa says, “Firstly, in Rocket Driver, I saw it more of a logical scene than comedy because that is how one would react in such a situation. But having said that if I must work in a comedy film tomorrow, I think comedy is underrated but the most difficult thing to do. But people don’t immediately connect women and comedy and that is one thing we need to explore,” Sunainaa says. The actor also adds that it is up to filmmakers to explore the area of women and comedy put together.

Sunainaa was last seen in the web series Inspector Rishi which opened to a positive reception. “I read the whole script for few times and at the end of the day, it is Nandhini who knows what is happening. For example, Kathy had to be innocent and bubble in the beginning for the shock to strike at the end. I have to give that space to the director who knows the bigger picture of the character in their story. If I play the role little differently, then it might not fit holistically. I like to depend on the director, who can open up me to a side of acting that I did not know. I like to be part of a project instead of stand out and be selfish,” she adds.

20 years in industry

Surprised to know that she will be completing 20 years in the industry soon, Sunainaa says it never feels like that. But she says, “I think I have learnt everything about life through my career. We are working with different artists who have different moods and walks of life, values, and wounds. You learn so much, and at the same time, you also have to get the work done. To control your emotions and be professional, get the work done.”

Sunainaa, a first-generation actor from her family, says that she learned so many lessons after entering the industry. “People have to talk about you, the opportunities you get, and navigate through that while not losing yourself, that is something you learn and understand. I have met people who have helped me, become family and, at the same time become lessons. But I have been told that no matter what I get back and keep moving forward, much like a child-like approach.”

Concluding this conversation, Sunainaa says she wishes to do a period film in the future, and something to do with comedy. “I am not very capable of it, but with a good writer and director, I think I will be able to do it. When I try to be funny, I am not, but when I am not trying, I am. I used to love action a lot, but I get scared easily on sets. But I would like to get over that mentally over time,” she signs off.

Sunainaa’s line-up includes Thoduvaanam, a feel-good film on orphanages, and Dhanush-Sekhar Kammula’s Kubera.

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