Sriimurali: I am booked for a considerable number of years

Ugramm, the 2014 film by Prashanth Neel was a game changer for Sriimurali. There’s been no looking back for the actor ever since, who, today, has a back-to-back projects. Currently rolling with Bharaate, directed by Chetan Kumar, Sriimurali’s next will be Madagaja, a film helmed by Mahesh Kumar and produced by Umapathy.

The teaser of Bharaate and title poster of Madagaja will both be launched by Darshan tomorrow. Incidentally, it also happens to be Sriimurali’s birthday. “A birthday is meant to be celebrated with loved ones, and I am lucky to be spending the day with my fans,” says Sriimurali.

Meanwhile, the actor already has three more projects lined up, and among them is Ugramn Veeram, a film with the KGF director. Sriimurali says, “I have been booked now for a good number of years. I have started believing in not counting the number of projects, but going by the quality of scripts I have chosen. This helps me analyse what the future holds for me, in terms of my career.”

‘You’re as good as your last film’
Trust is the key word in the film industry today, which Sriimurali works on building with actors, directors and producers. “Behind all the stardom lies trust. In the long run, that’s what counts,” says the actor, who is grateful for films like Kanti and Chandra Chakori during his early years, which laid foundation for his career.

“Somewhere along the way, I lost track of the bigger picture. Only after Ugramm, did I start being careful of the path to stardom’. Like they say ‘better late than never’. Now, I make sure I look into every aspect,” he says looking back at his 15-year career. “You’re as good as your last film. The quality of work that comes to you depends on your past choices. It’s all about making the right moves with the right people. As an actor, maintaining your career graph is very important. And keeping a pulse of viewers’ likes and dislikes is very important. That’s what helps me grow and stay grounded,” he says.

When it all gets “too much,” Sriimurali has learnt the art of dealing with the situations. “When there is too much hype surrounding a certain project, I prefer taking a break. It helps in analysing the situation. That way, I’m also able to recharge and get back to work with a fresh perspective,” he says.

Audience will recall my role in Chandra Chakori
Sriimurali says that the family entertainer is a genre that he is attempting after a hiatus. “People who have liked my role in Chandra Chakori, will see me in a similar character in Bharaate after 15 years. However, the film is suitable to today’s generation. This film will show a different side of me, with lots of energy and attitude, which has not been seen in the recent years.”

‘Darshan is kind-hearted’
Getting the title Madagaja was challenging until Darshan stepped in and sorted out the issue. “It was very kind of Darshan to help out. I have been lucky to get support from the stars. While Dhashu (Darshan) is known as the Challenging Star, I prefer calling him a ‘kind- hearted’ star. We are able to connect at different levels, especially since we have travelled together, and are like family. The title was more like a gift that he gave me,” says Sriimurali.

Associating with Prashanth Neel
Sriimurali and Prashanth Neel associating for Ugramm Veeram has doing the rounds for a long time now. “He is  waiting for KGF to be complete, after which we will begin our project. It is a fantastic subject to be part of. As of now, I don’t want to trouble anyone and hurry up with my project. However, at the same time, I know, and am letting Prshanth know, that I am getting older each day,” Sriimurali says with a chuckle. “With due respect, I can’t wait to associate with Prashanth again.”