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EXCLUSIVE: Earning the trust of my audience has been a long process, says Kavin

South First speaks with the young Tamil actor, whose 'Star' is hitting the big screens this Friday, 10 May.

Published May 08, 2024 | 9:30 AM ⚊UpdatedMay 08, 2024 | 9:30 AM

Kavin will next be seen in director Elan's 'Star'. (Instagram)

One of the oft-used tags for an actor who delivers a superhit out of nowhere is “overnight sensation”. And such a tag has always been hung on actors who make a transition from television to the big screen.

Their success is often either written off as a one-off or they are labelled as, you know, overnight sensation. But it is a very myopic view of stardom.

When one looks at the hype surrounding this Friday’s (10 May) release — Star, it might seem like a bit too much for a film directed by a one-film-old filmmaker.

Star has two heroines making their Tamil debut and a lead actor who has headlined only three films so far — Kavin.

‘Star is a special film’

Kavin at ‘Star’ press meet. (X)

But Kavin isn’t just three films old. He starred in two blockbuster television series between 2012 and 2016.

He was also part of one of the most successful seasons of the popular Tamil reality show — Bigg Boss Season 3.

Kavin’s success and the hype surrounding his films are sensational, but it is far from being the overnight kind.

“Earning the trust of my audience has been a long process. It has happened over the years. The only way I can repay their trust is by giving them quality films. I hope Star is one more reason to make them continue liking me,” Kavin smiles.

Star, which is the sophomore film of director Elan after Pyaar Prema Kaadhal (2018), revolves around a youngster’s efforts to become a successful actor (played by Kavin).

In many ways, this reflects the journey of Kavin.

“I had the same doubt when Elan narrated Star to me. Since this was initially pitched to Harish Kalyan, I asked Elan if he made certain changes to reflect my struggles. However, Elan denied making any,” he reveals.

When pointed out that this story of an underdog defying all odds is a tried-and-tested template, the actor has no qualms admitting that there will be similarities.

“Take, for instance, films like Mugavaree (2000) or Jersey (2019). The endgame and the reasons for the struggle might be different but the emotions are quite similar. That is what I believe makes Star a special film,” Kavin notes.

He believes that even if many in the audience don’t resonate with the passion of becoming an actor, they will be able to juxtapose it with their passions and feel represented.

“And not many actors get such a strong and relatable film so early in their careers, right?” asks Kavin, who accepts the praise for the Star‘s trailer with a small dose of caution. “Come Friday, we will know better. The audience is always the best judge.”

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Actors need business acumen: Kavin

Kavin became a household name with Bigg Boss Tamil. (Instagram)

For an actor, who has only done a handful of films, Kavin talks a lot about curating the movie for the mainstream audience, ensuring producers get good returns, the business of the film, and so on.

Is this the era where actors have to exude business acumen in addition to their acting prowess? Can’t they just remain, well, actors?

“I believe understanding the business aspect of films is also an important part of being an actor. When a production company trusts my instincts and asks me to orchestrate my next film, it is a huge responsibility. I have to safeguard their economic interests too,” Kavin observes.

From the right usage of the budget to fixing the schedules, taking care of the scripting, pre and post-theatrical business, these are also part of his planning.

“I don’t see it as extra pressure because the success of a film isn’t going to just take me to the next level. It will additionally improve the standing of the director, the actors, the crew, and the producers too,” says a rather pragmatic Kavin.

So, in this dual horse race of being creative and financially aware, which rein does he hold closer to his heart?

“I want to be a good actor. All I wanted to achieve in cinema is the trust in the filmmakers’ minds that here is an actor who can do anything,” says Kavin.

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‘My work should do the talking’

The young actor constantly talks about upholding the trust he has earned among the audience, and his fans, whom he firmly refers to as his friends.

But he is also somewhat of a social media recluse, which might seem odd in today’s time and age.

The Dada (2023) actor might not be active on social media but thinks he has a firm grip on the ground realities.

“I believe my films should do the talking, and if I am true to the art, the adulation will be there. When they voted for me in Bigg Boss or made my films a success, I understood that they were doing it because they trusted me. They placed their trust in an upcoming actor to deliver what they wanted,” Kavin adds.

Right from the days of his television serials to Bigg Boss Tamil, and now cinema, Kavin believes there is tremendous goodwill surrounding him.

“My biggest investment is this trust, and I would do everything to uphold it,” signs off Kavin, exuding the profound understanding that trust is indeed the bridge that allows an actor to transition into a STAR.