I plan to enter politics in the next 5-10 years: Varalaxmi Sarathkumar

Varalaxmi Sarathkumar is an actor known for her unique choices. After playing a villainous role in Sandakozhi 2, the actor is now all set to play a politician in her next film, Sarkar, directed by AR Murugadoss and starring Vijay. "Muruga sir’s films always have strong female characters. In Sarkar, I play a character that is completely in contrast to Sandakozhi 2. It doesn’t have references to any person living or dead,” says Varalaxmi, without divulging more details about her character.

Further elaborating on the film, she adds, “Sarkar has an interesting premise. It explores the nexus between politicians and the corporate world. Also, it comes with a message. After watching the film, I’m sure the public will realise the value of their vote because it is the only way to choose your representatives and your own government. It gives us the power to determine the future course of our nation.”

The film has been embroiled in a plagiarism controversy after an assistant director and writer, Varun Rajendran, alleged that Murugadoss had copied his story, Sengol, to make Sarkar. Responding to the controversy, Varalaxmi hits back at the people who are spreading rumours about the issue and comes to her director’s defence. “The person in question had penned a similar story some 10 years ago and the issue has been settled out of court earlier today. There is no truth in reports of Muruga sir accepting that Sarkar is a plagiarised version of that story. He has acknowledged the efforts of that writer and agreed to credit him in the titles only to encourage such people,” she asserts.
  
Varalaxmi, whose father, actor Sarath Kumar, is actively involved in politics, reveals that she too plans to enter politics. “I have a voice and I'm not afraid to use it. I haven't decided on the party as yet, but I will definitely take the political plunge in the next 5-10 years. Everybody keeps saying politics is a dirty game, but people who aren’t fearful should come and wipe it clean. I appeal to our generation to play a proactive role in the development of our country,” she says.

Does she see herself as a successor to late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and actor Jayalalithaa? “She was a fantastic woman. I had the pleasure of meeting her three times and she always spoke highly about my work. She was highly-qualified and a wonderful administrator. It’s not an easy task for a lady to run a state, and definitely, I see her as my inspiration to proudly run the state one day,” asserts Varalaxmi.