I was afraid of being typecast: Elango Kumaravel

Known for his sympathetic roles in Radha Mohan's films such as Azhagiya Theeye and Abhiyum Naanum, Elango Kumaravel has tried his hand at a very different role in this Friday's release Kurangu Bommai. 

Tip-toeing around revealing too much about his character, he says, "In every job, even if it's a shady one, there's a bit of truth and honour. But when a person lets his greed take the front seat, things go awry. I play such a person and it'll be about what he does after such a mishap." Ask him if it's a deviation from the comical roles he usually does, and Elango says, "My role will have dark shades to it and is a serious one. I'm actually the villain in the film and this is the first time I've played such a character." 

The actor says he bagged the role thanks to Vidharth, the film's lead. "We were a part of Koothu-p-pattarai and he's been a good friend of mine for years. Vidharth sent Nithilan (director) to me to narrate the story, and that's when I realised Bharathiraaja sir is also a part of the project." 

Elango heaps praises on the veteran director. "We all grew up watching his films and he is someone I look up to. So working with him has definitely been a wonderful experience." He also says, despite being a legend, Bharathiraaja didn't have any airs on the sets. "It was also a pleasure to watch him get prepared for a scene," he adds.

When asked why we don't see him on the big screen aside from the prominent roles he bags in Radha Mohan's films, he says, "It's true that people connect me more with his films such as Azhagiya Theeye and roles such as Ravi Shasthri in his Abhiyum Naanum. But after that, I was offered similar roles and I had to let go of many projects." He says he was afraid of being typecast. "So I did films in which my roles didn't look similar to one and another. My role in Sathuranga Vettai 2 is also something new." 

Elango says he's playing a pivotal role in the Nivin Pauly-starrer Richie, which will again be a serious role. He is also a part of director Vijay's Karu and a film titled 2010.