Nag, so you are playing the villain in Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Coolie?
Ha ha, yes I am. Is that too shocking to hear?
You haven’t played a villain before?
Never. And that’s exactly what made it exciting. The character I play is really evil. In fact, when Lokesh narrated it to me, I asked him, “Can anyone really be this evil?” He assured me that there are people far worse than the man I play.
Was it tough for the director to convince you?
Very tough. When Lokesh first approached me, I was hesitant. I wasn’t sure if I should do it, or if my audience would accept me in a negative role. He had to narrate the character to me several times before I agreed. But now I’m glad I said yes. It’s such a refreshing change from conventional roles. My character in Coolie is a law unto himself. He does whatever he wants, and believes no one can stop him. Playing such a negative role turned out to be a very positive experience for me — it allowed me to do things I’d never dare in real life.
And you mentioned there’s something else you haven’t done before?
Yes. For Coolie, I dubbed in all three languages — Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi — in my own voice. I don’t know how many actors have attempted that. Maybe Kamal Haasan has. But for me, speaking in three languages for one film was a first.
Another first was working with Rajinikanth?
Absolutely! I’ve known Rajini Sir for many years, but we had never worked together until now. Everything you’ve heard about him is true — he’s kind, humble, gentle, supportive, and incredibly down-to-earth. Working with him was an absolute pleasure. And by the way, this marks his 50th year in films.
It’s also your 39th year in cinema?
Ha ha, actually longer. Vikram in 1986 was my first as a leading man. But I started as a baby actor much earlier.
Your debut in Hindi, Ram Gopal Varma’s Shiva, is being re-released.
Yes, and I’m thrilled. That film is one of my all-time favourites. It still has grit, edge, and relevance even today.
More Pages: Coolie Box Office Collection , Coolie Movie Review
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