Exclusive

Fahadh Faasil: I am a better producer than actor

Fahadh Faasil is a force to reckon with. The actor-producer is often referred to as one of the best artists in Malayalam cinema today. But the actor, who has appeared in over 100 films including Tamil and Telugu, disagrees. “I have a lot of limitations as an actor. I believe I am a better producer than an actor,” said Fahadh in an exclusive interview with Onmanorama.
Read Also: 'Aavesham': Fahadh Faasil reigns supreme as 'Ranga' in Jithu Madhavan's comedy-entertainer | Movie Review

The actor, who plays Ranga in his latest release 'Aavesham', said it was the movie's vibe that drew him to the project. “It was an entirely different experience. I have never played such a character before. My characters have always been subtle. So playing this loud character was a new experience for me,” said Fahadh.

Turning into Ranga...
Ranga is a character who is extremely active and moves around a lot. Some of the scenes, especially the fight scenes, were filmed in single take. It takes a great deal of effort to capture all that energy on screen.

'Aavesham' and memories of college life...
I applied for scholarships in the USA, immediately after I completed my Class XII. However, this got delayed due to the September 11 terror attacks. My mother was worried since I wasn't doing much for the next four to five months and I got enrolled at the SD College in Alappuzha. I spent one year there. I was sent to a boarding school when I was in Class IV, but had to study under my parents when I turned 18! (laughs) But the experience was fun, nevertheless.

I then moved to the USA after a year. I always compartmentalise my life pre and post US stay. My life there changed me, though I had to drop my engineering studies after two years since I realised it was not my cup of tea. I pursued Philosophy after informing my parents.

Fahadh the producer vs actor...
I believe a good producer has an eye for spotting good stories. They are the ones who ensure good stories are told and I can do that in my capacity as a producer. As an actor, I have limitations. I love doing comedy, but I know I need to put in more effort for the kind of comedy I do. Sometimes I am cranky on the sets and have tantrums as an actor. I also insist on retakes for certain scenes we shot probably a week ago. This is part of my process as an actor. I am better able to process a scene after a gap of 10 days. The changes may be subtle, but it is important to me.

Bhavana Studios...
Dileesh Pothen and Unni Maya manage the operations at Bhavana Studios, while Shyam Pushkaran and I contribute to the creative discussions. We want to be self-sufficient with the kind of films we do and make movies within our belief system. Our intention is not to change the world.

'Aadujeevitham' and you...
I am not someone who could invest so many years in my character. I believe a story only has a shelf life of six to eight months. Also, the central character in 'Aadujeevitham' had to undergo a lot of physical transformation. I don't think I could do that convincingly on screen. I have said before that Prithviraj is the only actor in India who could bring Najeeb to life.

Promoting films produced by you...
Why should I be bothered about the opinions of those who write about me while sitting in the comfort of their desk? These are silly comments. Opinions only matter when people can tell you straight to your face. Nobody keeps eye contact these days.

Not a fan of fan following
I don’t believe in it. People should just come to theatres, watch the movie and leave. I have zero interaction with my fans. Don’t take me home. You needed these interactions 20 years ago. Times have changed. We are living in the year 2024.

Future other projects...
I wanted to do a comedy film in Telugu before I left Hyderabad after shooting for 'Pushpa 2'. I had mentioned this in my meetings and discussions. S S Rajamouli's son S S Karthikeya approached me a year later. I am part of two comedy films now. I am looking forward to my character in 'Pushpa 2'.

Malayalis as villains or side roles in other language films...
I don't see it that way. I only see it as a talent cross-over. I have had the opportunity to be part of films of superstars like Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth.