All stars from director Karthik Subbaraj’s Petta were at the film’s audio launch on Sunday at Sairam College of Engineering in Chennai. Vijay Sethupathi, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Trisha Krishnan, Simran, and others were present and spoke at the event. But what stood out was a part of Rajinikanth’s speech praising Sasikumar. Rajini said Saisikumar was one of the best people he had met in his acting career.
Actor-director Sasikumar plays a character called Malik in the film. Before he was approached for the role, they considered other actors, said Rajini: “The character had a 20-day shoot schedule, and we thought of asking many if they’ll play the role. If we tell you the names we discussed, you will be surprised. And it was only in the last minute that Karthik told me Sasikumar had agreed to play the role. I was happy about it.”
During shoot, Rajini and Sasikumar spent a lot of time talking. He said, “I spoke a lot to Sasikumar. In my career spanning 44 years I have barely seen one or two people who are this good at heart. Only Sasikumar can be this person who is always thinking and doing good to people.”
He then said, “Sasikumar is a child with beard. His heart is like that. He is blessed, and I wish he plays many good roles in films.”
Sasikumar too spoke about Rajini and said, “I’ve always watched first day first shows of thalaivar films. Now I’m really happy to be acting with him. People usually want their films to wrap up soon. But I didn’t want my 20 day shoot to get over, because he was so friendly.”
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“He is one of the simplest and kindest people I know, and I know this because we have spoken a lot. When every other artiste goes to their van to change costumes, sir never did. He would just casually change in a house nearby. He is such a dedicated person,” he said.
Sasikumar also wished to direct a film starring Rajini, he said: “As a director even I want to do a film with ‘superstar’. He has told many stories to me, so I am hoping this will happen someday.”
Petta starring Rajinikanth in the lead, is by director Karthik Subbaraj. It is produced by Sun Pictures and stars Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Trisha, Simran, Sasikumar, Vijay Sethupathi, Malayalam actor Manikandan R Achari, Bobby Simha and others. Music for the film is by Anirudh Ravichander.