I want to do roles that have their own identity, says Sanju Sanichen

On Kerala Crime Files

According to Disney+ Hotstar, Kerala Crime Files turned out to be a blockbuster hit.

At the same time, the first Malayalam web series, based on the murder of a sex worker in a lodge, also became a milestone in Sanju’s career.

Sanju Sanichen in a still from ‘Kerala Crime Files’. (Supplied)

In fact, the actor has been waiting for a long time to do such a role.  “When I was in searching for meaningful characters, director Ahammed Khabeer asked me if I would do the role of a cop. I felt that Vinu was the treasure I was looking for and gave my best.”

Sanju Sanichen visited the gym for three months as he had to put on some weight to play Vinu. Also, he did rehearsals for every scene.

“Similarly, I interacted with many police officials at the Central Station in Kochi to understand how they work. I am happy that my role and the web series are getting a warm response,” the young actor said, with a glint of pride in his eyes.

Sanju can’t thank the crew and the cast, particularly senior actors like Aju Varghese, enough for supporting him in pulling off the character.

Related: ‘Kerala Crime Files’ review: Hooks you through all the episodes

Early career

Sanju Sanichen with Aju Varghese and Ahammed Khabeer. (Supplied)

When asked about the emotional scene in Kerala crime Files which won him much appreciation, Sanju said it was a collective effort.

“We had a series of discussions with scriptwriter Ashiq Aimar, sometimes even at midnight. Further, director Ahammed Khabeer gave me proper guidance.”

About his cinematic journey, the actor feels that everything is a learning process. “My debut film June (2019) also marked the debut of director Ahammed Khabeer and a handful of technicians. Ahammed (brother) has been my mentor. We all have learnt a lot while working for June and that helped me become what I’m today,” Sanju Sanichen remarked.

The actor also opined that a web series helps budding actors like him get more opportunities and learn the trade.

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Passionate about cinema

Sanju Sanichen will be next seen in Valatty, which will be released on 21 July. He is also part of a couple of projects that are yet to be announced officially.

The young actor likes to act in different languages and looking for the right opportunities for a long time.

Sanju Sanichen with Ranveer Singh during the shoot of Meesho ad. (Supplied)

As a stepping stone, he acted in the Meesho advertisement alongside Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh in the Hindi version and Tollywood actor Ram Charan in the South Indian version.

“It was a good experience to work with these superstars in different industries. In the Meesho ad, they both performed in their own style,” he recalled.

Sanju Sanichen feels that the characters he plays onscreen should have an identity of their own — like the one in Kerala Crime Files — even if it isn’t a lead role.

“If I’m offered a small role with an identity, I will surely take it up. I want to create a niche for myself in the industry and get noticed through quality work,” he asserted.

When asked if he too wants to do pan-Indian films, the actor clarified that he would like to work predominantly in Malayalam and do movies that would have a good impact on the audience.

Related: Malayalam audiences are awaiting quality content on OTT: Ahammed Khabeer

Support from parents

Since his debut in June, the actor did small roles in films like Sundari Gardens (2022), Avial (2022), Iru (2023), and Varthamanam (2021).

Sanju Sanichen plays the role of CPO Vinu in ‘KCF’. (Supplied)

Hailing from Changanassery in Kottayam district, Sanju also did several advertisements for some time.

Before entering the entertainment industry, he graduated in engineering and worked for a company in Bangalore.

Since acting has been his passion, he gave several auditions and eventually did some noticeable roles.

“I did not tell my family about my interest in cinema. I attended the auditions without their knowledge. But I had to reveal everything when I got an opportunity to debut with June,” Sanju Sanichen recalled.

To his surprise, his parents did not raise any objection and supported him. “On a lighter note, after my entry into films, my father keeps track of everything happening in the industry and is more knowledgeable than me,” he signed off.

Related: ‘Kerala Crime Files’ writer Ashiq Aimar wants to do women-centric film