'I don't want to take a break'

Selective roles

Sandalwood actor Chetan Chandra is busy shuttling between projects and couldn’t be more excited. The actor, who is shooting for ‘Raja Thilaka’ now, feels that this movie could be a turning point in his career. In a candid chat with Tini Sara Anien, he talks about the movie, his role and his aspirations.

How did ‘Raja Thilaka’ happen?
I listened to the script of the movie around two months back and we started the shoot in September. The movie is directed by Manjunath. The project is shot in Bengaluru and in a village near Mandya. It is a humour-based and has many comedians in it.

What convinced you to do it?
I loved the way the director was confident about what he wanted. He cleared all my doubts on the spot and this really impressed me.

Can you talk a bit about your character?
I play Raja, a small-town guy who comes to the city to meet a minister and get approval for development projects in his place. I have played a similar role earlier, but I am sure that I have the scope to perform more as an artiste in this one.

What are the challenges you faced?
Acting is an easy process but to be oneself while acting is the hard part. I have to portray myself in the character and that was challenging.  

Most of your movies have action sequences...
This movie too will have action sequences. Movie makers like to show off my physique and I have been working hard to stay in shape. I hit the gym regularly.

How important will this movie be for your career?
I look forward to every movie’s release as a chance to explore myself more as an artiste. I believe that it is a good movie and that it will do a lot for my career. I have always stayed positive about all my projects even though some click with the audience and some don’t.

How do you judge a script?
Whenever I listen to a script, I keep in mind what the audience expects and try to think from their perspective. Sometimes, a script includes elements that it doesn’t really need and I clarify about this with the team then itself. If they are able to convince me about the need for certain scenes etc, then I take it up. I am selective and make sure that I am satisfied with what I get involved in.

You have your kitty full...
The bilingual movie ‘Vyaghra’ is ready to be released. I have a few days of shoot left of ‘Samyuktha 2’ and then the post-production work starts. I have finished the first schedule of ‘Raja Thilaka’, the second will follow soon. My new movie, ‘Malgudi Station’, will also be launched soon. I have been working back to back and it has been crazy but I don’t want to take a break. It’s god’s grace that I am busy.