One among the new breed of young actors in the Tamil film industry, Jeeva is best known for the powerful characterisation of every role he has played so far.

In Katradhu Tamil, he plays a man who battles with any negativity that comes his way. He takes this disappointment in a positive stride. In Keerthichakra, Jeeva’s debut in Malayalam, he plays an upright army officer who finally lays down his life battling terrorists.

He was later seen as a carefree, happy-go-lucky young man in Siva Manasula Sakthi which was completely youth driven. Jeeva says there was a time when he was choosy about his roles. “I think good cinema is a combination of entertainment that has all the commercial elements as well. There was a time when I would do only meaningful cinema but that doesn’t really pay in the long run, especially if you have just begun your career,” Jeeva says and adds, “I would like to trip on every single role because I don’t want people to associate me with the same character, same expression all the time.”

He thinks there must be certain novelty to every cinema. He feels Aamir Khan is one among those actors who has given people a mix of novelty, entertainment and added doses of commercial ingredients to it as well. “He can understand and gauge the pulse of the people. Movies like Sarfarosh, Mangal Pandey and Lagaan have explored sensitive themes with extraordinary success,” Jeeva observes.

Commenting on Bollywood influences that have crept into South Indian cinema in terms of colourful dances and extravagant costumes Jeeva says, “What’s wrong in being taken up by a good dance number and new fashion in Hindi movies? It must be every actor’s aim to make heads turn.” Jeeva believes that regional cinema must go international to be popular.

Jeeva will soon be seen in Kechari Arambharam where he plays a village lad, skimmy and crooked who tweaks any situations to his advantage. In Sigum Puli he plays a dual role — one of a fisherman, straightforward and outspoken and another of a casanova. Finally, in Roudharm he essays a revolutionary character.

Commenting about the Kannada film industry, Jeeva thinks that a fine balance needs to be struck between sensible, sensitive cinema and commercial ones. “Extremes must be avoided,” he wraps up.