'Major', the movie on the life and times of the late Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, will be releasing in theatres on Friday. Telugu actor Adhivi Sesh, who essayed Sandeep's role in the movie, says his dream to narrate the sacrifice and life of one of India's most celebrated heroes, has finally come true.
Onmanorama catches up with the young star from Tollywood, who is also the man behind the script of the film 'Major'.
Q.You were in the United States when you heard about Sandeep Unnikrishnan's sacrifice in the Mumbai terror attacks. What exactly drew you to his story?
A. From the day I saw his photograph, I felt that this man could easily pass off as my elder brother. We both looked so similar. I felt this sudden connection and love for the man who made this huge sacrifice for the nation. Ever since then, there was no looking back. I would pour over every material about him and read about various aspects of his life. People only knew about his heroic deed, but there were so many other aspects of his life that needed to be told. Small things, like the fact that he loved animals and his bond with his family.
Q.How did the movie happen?
A.By 2016, I had become a lead actor in the Telugu film industry. This was when I decided that I should start speaking to directors about making Sandeep Unnikrishnan's life a movie. I approached the movie director Sashi Kiran Tikka, who was very happy to associate with me for the project.
Q.You have maintained that you can never be Sandeep Unnikrishnan, but you can be a son to his parents. Tell us about your bond with his parents.
A. We are really close. I connected with them as part of the movie making process and ever since then we have been sharing a very strong connection. It will be disrespectful to say that I can replace Sandeep to his parents. I can never do that. I'm just an actor who has not made this huge sacrifice for the nation. I can only be one of their sons and my love for them comes from a pure space.
Q.There are allegations that the movie has a propaganda.
A. I heard this allegation for the first time when I came for a promotion in Kochi. I am surprised there is this controversy regarding the movie here.
Q.What are the preparations you made to play his character?
A. It was a huge challenge. Apart from our looks, we are very different. He was a right-handed person, while I am left-handed. I spoke to people and army officers who worked with him. You must remember he served in the elite 51 Special Action Group of the National Security Guards, so I had to undergo rigorous physical training for the movie. However, it was a great experience. I believe this is my best movie so far.
Q.Your experience working with Revathy, who played the mother to Sandeep?
A.She is such an amazing actress. I am a huge fan of her movies in Telugu. It's amazing to see how well she blends into the characters she plays. I think this movie was extra special for her, since she is an army girl. She portrayed the right ethos, fragility and strength that was needed in the movie.
