'IYARKAI 2 CAN STILL HAPPEN'

From Kushito Varisu, the actor opens about returning to doing light-hearted entertainers, why web series needs multi-starrers to survive, breaking stereotypes in films and more

- ANUSHA SUNDAR

In our big-ticket films with a charismatic actor at the centre of things, it's quite a rarity to get noticed in a blink-and-you-miss role. However, in an uncredited role in Kushi (2000), Shaam managed to do just that despite sharing screen with Vijay, who was at the threshold of superstardom. Now, Vijay is a bonafide superstar, and Shaam has aced a role that has him at loggerheads with the former in the recent Pongal release, Varisu. With this chance to reconnect with his lucky charm, Vijay, Shaam feels his cinema career has come full circle.

"I remember being called to Besant Nagar's Ashtalakshmi temple for Kushi. Jeeva sir was the cameraman and they were looking for someone who can stand beside Vijay," says Shaam, who really didn't think much would come from that role. However, that one frame became impactful enough for the late cinematographer Jeeva to launch Shaam in 12B (2001). "My first shot for 12B was once again in the Ashtalakshmi temple with the same cinematographer and Jyothika. This time, I was not on the side of the hero, but the hero itself. I felt the presence of God."