Srikkanth, 100 not out

Srikkanth has come a long way since he made his debut in People's Encounter in 1991.

He is on the verge of completing a century in films -- a feat not many can hope of achieving. But he has proved that in spite of no filmy connection, he has achieved the feat through sheer dint of hard work and sincerity.

Hailing from Gangavati in Karnataka, Srikkanth has made a mark in Telugu films having acted with superstars like Chiranjeevi (in Shankardada MBBS and Shankardada Zindabad, the Telugu remakes of Munnabhai MBBS and Lage Raho Munnabhai), Nagarjuna and Venkatesh besides others.

He has done a variety of roles in a career spanning almost two decades. His filmography includes Pelli Sandadi, Khadgam, Operation Duryodhana, Swarabhishekham, Pellam Ooruelte, Aame, Kshemanga Velli Labhamga Randi, Radha Gopalam to name a few. 

He was happy to talk about his landmark 100th film, Mahatma directed by Krishnavamsi which releases on October 9.

How did you decide on Krishnavamsi to direct your 100th film?

We have been friends for 17 years. He is my favourite director. When I was nearing 100 films while doing Khadgam with Krishnavamsi, I told him 'since you can deal with any subject, I want you to direct my 100th film'.

He said yes and came up with the subject of Mahatma. If Krishnavamsi had not done the film, I would not have announced it as my 100th film. It is truly something special. I have great faith in him.

How do you feel doing your 100th film? What do you think is the mantra for your success?

I feel very happy doing the 100th film. I have been doing family oriented roles and wanted to do a commercial as well as a message-oriented film. The role in Mahatma has all types of shades. I'm satisfied with the film.

I feel hard work, sincerity and honesty is important. I have been able to come so far -- from acting as a villain initially to 'Mahatma' -- today. I give importance to my work. I believe one should do their work and not be worried about the results (I believe in the Bhagavad Gita's Karmanye Vaadikaaraste).

In fact I took work so seriously that I didn't have time for my family. I went about doing films and didn't realise I have done 100 films.

Could you talk about your role in Mahatma? You play a character which undergoes a transformation...

I started by playing a dada (rowdy) and eventually join politics. In this journey, my character is influenced by Gandhism. The film shows how the transformation occurs and what the character does, through non-violence.

Did you research for the role?

I just listened to what the director wanted and acted accordingly. I didn't do any separate homework.

Did you read any books or watch movies on Gandhi?

No, I didn't watch movies. In the middle of the film (while acting), I got interested in Gandhi and started reading his autobiography. I wanted to read more but couldn't get enough time.

The audio was released recently. It has a new music director Vijay Anthony. Do you have anything to say about the response?

The audio is doing well. I am happy about it. I have passed the first test confidently.

What can the audience take home from the film?

The film will make the audience think about bad habits and violence.

Mahatma is a big-budget film...

This is the biggest budget film I have done. So there is enough thrill, tension and suspense.

Have you signed any new films?

I want to wait and see the performance of this film. If it is a hit, I will get a chance to look at different subjects perhaps. Maybe it will be a 'rebirth' for me.