INTERVIEW: Malayalam actor Kumar Sethu is eager to do more challenging roles

He is also a part of the upcoming web series Blindfold, written by Harshad and directed by Anzarulla for Sony Liv.

In an exclusive interview with South First, Kumar Sethu opens up about his forthcoming ventures and his love for acting.

Shaitaan review: A chilling atmospheric horror-thriller with a delightfully deranged Madhavan

‘Was a drama artist in Dubai’

Kumar Sethu in ‘Kuttanpillayude Shivaratri’. (Supplied)

An expatriate, Kumar Sethu acted in several dramas in Dubai. He got a break in Malayalam cinema with Kuttanpillayude Shivaratri after auditioning for the role.

“I worked in Dubai for 16 years. I have been passionate about acting since childhood. The Malayali Samajam and Kerala Social Centre host the Bharat Murali Drama Festival in Abu Dhabi and Dubai every year. I played dramas in Dubai and got several awards for Best Actor,” he recalled.

The actor says he would get back to drama at any point in time. “In the initial days, I tried several times to act in dramas but in vain. However, could take part in the Drama Festival every year,” he was all smiles.

About his acting journey, Kumar Sethu said he ventured into cinema as an expatriate.

“All my friends and relatives know about my passion for acting. I wasn’t much into acting when I went to Dubai for a living. But, I got a break in my acting career there. I was actively involved in drama for eight years,” he recollected.

He resigned from his job and shifted to Kerala to take up acting full-time.

Also Read: Perilloor Premier League web series review

Promising ventures

Kumar Sethu says he loved his character in the Malayalam web series Perillor Premier League, now streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.

His next venture is Rajeev Kumar’s Bermuda, featuring Vinay Forrt in the lead.

“For the first time in my career, I’m playing a police officer in Bermuda. I like the look of the movie,” the actor said.

He is pinning his hopes on director Amal Noushad’s Pullu. Shot in 2020, the movie was screened at several film festivals like the Morocco Film Festival.

Kumar donned a role with negative shades in the flick. Pullu is yet to be released in theatres.

In his recently released film Jerry, the actor played a negative role. He hopes to receive positive reviews for the movie following its premiere on OTT space.

“I was introduced to the team by the cinematographer. I only accept roles I’m confident about. Even if it is a cameo, it needs to be a compelling character. However, in Jerry, I had ample screen time and I was thrilled to be a part of the film.”

Also Read: Rajinikanth watches ‘Manjummel Boys’, applauds the entire team

‘Comedy is challenging’

Kumar Sethu in ‘Jerry’. (Supplied)

Despite acting in about 20 films, the actor is hesitant to do comedy roles.

“Playing a normal character is not a big task, but comedy is challenging. I am more comfortable in doing negative roles,” he said.

He also finds his character in Choodu quite challenging.

Interestingly, he attended several acting workshops to polish his skills.

However, Kumar Sethu is glad that his roles in Pullu, Kuttan Pillayude Shivarathri, Jerry, and Akashavaathil are being appreciated and the feedback is overwhelming.

While his characters in other films may not have been prominent, he could showcase his talent and presence.

Right now, the Malayalam actor is flooded with many offers and is awaiting an official confirmation from the makers to announce them.

Oru Sarkar Ulpannam review: A socially relevant movie that highlights common people’s problems