Dec 11, 2024 Simbu was the first choice for my role in 'Soodhu Kavvum’: Karunakaran Posted by PRAVEEN KANNA at 7:03 PM

Eleven years ago, a three-film-old Karunakaran got his claim to fame playing Arumai Pragasam, in Nalan Kumarasamy’s debut directorial, Soodhu Kavvum. Today, he is the only recurring character in Soodhu Kavvum 2, helmed by SJ Arjun. However, the actor reveals that he wasn’t the original choice for the character.

Producer CV Kumar initially doubted his ability to pull off the pivotal character in the original film. “Honestly, even I wouldn’t have cast myself in the role if I was the producer,” Karunakaran admits candidly, adding, “Initially, CV Kumar sir had Simbu sir in mind for the role of Arumai Pragasam, while Nalan had planned to cast me in a different role.

The entire lineup would have been reshuffled, with Bobby Simha likely playing the police character. Fortunately, I vented my disappointment to Karthik Subbaraj, who spoke to CV Kumar sir on my behalf, which finally convinced him.”

On whether he was hesitant to play a grey-shaded role in his fourth film, Karunakaran gives an honest reply, “It was too early on in my career to be choosy about roles. I had quit my job just then, and I had to take up any role that would pay my bills.” While his performance as Arumai Pragasam caught enough eyes, it was the ‘Kasu Panam’ song that made him a household name. However, not many know that his choreography was altered due to an injury.

PUBLISHED IN THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS DATED 11.12.2024