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'Theeya Velai Seiyyanum Kumaru is a laugh riot'

Last updated on: June 11, 2013 11:07 IST

Image: Ganesh Venkatraman in Theeya Velai Seiyyanum Kumaru
Radhika Rajamani in Hyderabad

After having worked with many superstars, actor Ganesh Venkatraman is slowly making a name for himself and in all the four major South Indian languages, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada.

This good-looking actor is now ready with his latest bi-lingual Theeya Velai Seiyyanum Kumaru (Something Something in Telugu) which is produced by UTV and directed by Sundar C.
His co-stars are Siddharth and Hansika Motwani.

In this one-on-one, Ganesh shares details about the film, releasing on June14, and his other projects.

How did you get to sign Theeya Velai Seiyyanum Kumaru?

The Telugu film Damarukam was the prime reason. Sundar C had me in mind for it. My visibility in the Telugu market increased with Damarukam.

Isn't the film a bilingual?

Yes. It was being produced by Khushboo and then UTV stepped in. It's a young, energetic film with IT (information technology) as the backdrop.

'There is a lot of situational comedy in the film'

Image: Ganesh Venkatraman in Theeya Velai Seiyyanum Kumaru

Is it a romantic comedy with a love triangle?

Yes, it is a love triangle. When Sundar C narrated my character, I could relate to it as I had worked in Patni Computers, a software company, for two years.

The perception is that life is boring and the job monotonous in an IT company. But there are friendships and there is a lot of fun.

There is romance too. Sundar Sir has incorporated the fun elements in the screenplay. It was like re-living the past for me.

Is the film also funny given the presence of Santhanam/Brahmanandam?

Yes, it's a laugh riot. There is a lot of situational comedy. Santhanam and Brahmanadam ensure the laughter.

Can you talk a bit more about your character in the film?

I play George, a guy with a charming personality. Women are charmed by him and vie for his attention. Sanjana (Hansika) comes into the office. The character played by Siddharth falls for her, but she falls for George.

George and Sanjana come closer in course of time.

'I admire Siddharth as an actor'

Image: Ganesh Venkatraman in Theeya Velai Seiyyanum Kumaru

How was it working with Sundar C?

He has been in the industry for 20 years. He has worked with the who's who here. It's his Telugu debut of sorts.

I like his approach to cinema. Sundar Sir feels since you enjoy watching cinema you should shoot in the same mood. So, we had a blast shooting this film. It was like a picnic and he got the best out of us. Like they say, there is a method in the madness.

How would you describe the film?

It's a lot like a Hollywood one. It's good visually. It has Sundar Sir's humour – massy (sic) yet stylised.

Did you share a good rapport with Siddharth and Hansika?        

Siddharth's a great friend. I admire him as an actor – the choice of his films and roles right from Boys to Midnight's Children. He's a bonafide pan-Indian actor.  

Siddharth shared his experience with me. He is a great guy to work with. Hansika is a thorough professional and wonderful to work with.

'I am hungry to do different roles'

Image: Ganesh Venkatraman in Theeya Velai Seiyyanum Kumaru

You are working in the Kannada-Tamil bi-lingual Chandra

It is about a princess in today's times. The family lives in luxury in palaces, but have no power. Culture and pride are big for them. The film is about a daughter's marriage within a royal family.

Chandra is a princess who is educated in arts and crafts and lives a life of luxury within the palace. She seeks love. The family thinks of only royal blood.

I play a prince who does not have a princely upbringing but is brought up in a democratic way and is a reluctant suitor. The story travels to America.

I have completed the film. It sounded interesting. It was well researched by the director Roopa Iyer. Shriya fits the character to a T. It was a great experience working with her and on this film.

How far has the shooting of Ivan Vera Mathiri progressed?

I have shot 80 per cent. The climax is still left.

Have you signed any more films?

I am still in talks.

How do you see yourself now?

I feel like a special child. I am hungry to do different roles. It is challenging to do different languages.

I have learnt a lot working with the superstars – how they approach their work, how they conduct themselves, etc.

I feel God is my manager.