Definition of villains has changed; luring audience to cinema halls has become tough: Sarat Kumar

Senior actor Sarat Kumar was in Hyderabad to promote `Parampara Season 2'. The web series is streaming on Disney + Hotstar. The first season was a huge hit. The series has Jagapathi Babu, Akanksha Singh, Naveen Chandra, Aamani, and many other versatile actors. They are playing key roles. NewsMeter spoke to Sarat Kumar. Excerpts:

Looks like you are back to playing grey-shaded roles?

I played a lot of villain roles in my career. After a long gap, I am doing a grey-shaded character in this web series. You know you can't even completely call this one a villain character. When Mohan Rao's son, whom I don't like, comes and opposes us, the real fight starts between us. I loved playing this character. Parampara season 1 was a huge hit and that's what made us work on season 2. Working with so many talented actors was indeed a great experience.

Do you think the meaning of villains had changed?

Yes. I have observed that. Actually, the definition of a villain has changed. Directors write different characters and even heroes are made villains. It depends on how you look at them.

Do you think OTT has changed the experience of watching movies in a cinema hall?

Earlier, attracting audiences to the theatres was not a big job. Now we have to work hard to attract people to theatres. Pan India artists are a new phenomenon. Promotion plays a bigger part. But OTT is not like that. If you do some promotion and show good content...the audience will sit at home and watch it. Now I have come for the interview after watching the web series. The best example is Parampara here. The first season of the series got a good response. I am happy that my first web series has been accepted.

The response in the theatres can easily be known. Collections tell whether a movie is good or not. Even the comments on social media can tell you whether it is good or bad. In the past, senior actors used to understand the roles. Today, actors like us have the opportunity to seek inspiration from world cinema.

What are your upcoming projects?

Currently, I am doing Vaarasudu starring Thalapathy Vijay and directed by Vamsi Paidipally. I am playing key roles in Mani Ratnam's `Ponniyan Selvan' which is all set for release. The beard I am growing is for the same character. Also, I am playing a villain in Lawrence's movie. Most of my family members are actors. We select stories after careful analysis.