Actor Pugazh: Fans of Jurassic Park will like Mr Zoo Keeper

A few decades back it was hard for a comedian to make a stamp as a hero. Even the ones who braved it all and debuted as male leads returned back to playing comical sidekicks to stars within a few unsuccessful releases. However, the recent crop of actors like Santhanam, Soori and Sathish are showing that it is possible to redefine their image among the audience with the right films and roles. The newest addition to the list is Pugazh of Cook With Comali fame. What sets him apart from the rest is his quick ascend to playing the titular role in films."I feel comedy as a genre is evolving. Previously, comedy sketches were created separately and contributed very little to the main storyline.  However, recently situational comedies in a rather serious film and one-liners delivered by the principal comedies are being received well by the audience. Comedy is now organically blended into the narrative rather than being an afterthought. As the genre is changing, I thought I should also change accordingly. When a film like Mr Zoo Keeper utilises my strength as a comedian and gives equal scope for the performer in me, I couldn't refuse. However, I wouldn't stick to playing lead roles, I would gladly play a comedian if I like a script and team in the future," says a confident Pugazh.

The process of reinventing the actor in him perhaps began with Ayothi last year, where he delivered an effective performance. He believes that with Mr Zoo Keeper, he has only raised the bar, " I play an intellectually disabled character who rears a cub, mistaking it to be a kitten. Even though this sounds rather hard to buy, the story and making will ensure that the audiences are invested in Chinnathambi, my character." Further shedding light on the film's plot, Pugazh adds, "Throughout the film Chinnathambi overcomes various obstacles in his attempt to return the cub to its natural habitat. The plot is interwoven with subtle messages about deforestation and animal rights."

Pugazh shares that two factors convinced him to join the cast of Mr Zoo Keeper. First, his character wasn't solely responsible to take the story forward. Secondly, he was excited by the fact that director Suresh wanted to use real animals in the film instead of CGI or other practical effects, "Actors Shirin Kanchwala, Singam Puli, and the actual puli (tiger) have equally important roles. I am not the only lead character, the responsibility to drive the narrative is shared among us." He adds, "We were fascinated by Jurassic Park when it came out as it showed dinosaurs on screen for the first time. Mr Zoo Keeper will cater to this consciousness of the viewers to experience something that has never really been explored much on the silver screen. So I am sure everyone will be interested in seeing a real tiger play a lead role in a Tamil film."

First-time experiences can be nerve-wracking, especially when working with a real animal. Pugazh goes on to share a few highlights from his learnings, "Handling a tiger is not the same as interacting with our pets. For instance, while interacting with a tiger, you have to apply your power while giving it a friendly rub. During one emotional scene, I got carried away and moved a little closer to the tiger than I was supposed to and irritated the tiger. Looking back, it feels a little scary. However, animals, whether big or small, domestic or wild, redefine love in their own way, often without us even realising it."

Pugazh shares that Mr Zoo Keeper is a film for everyone," The consumption of art is very subjective. Various people approach art differently. However, when you're aiming to entertain the families and masses, you can't afford to miss out on anything crucial. Mr Zoo Keeper has been woven exceptionally delicately, keeping in mind the taste and sensibilities of our audience."

Asked if he feels insecure about losing out on his roles as a comedian, Pugazh signs off by saying, "I have already proven that comedy is my forte, and I don't think I'll ever lose it. Either it will come back to me, or I will return to it. So, I am confident about taking up any film now because I know comedy has my back."