Exclusive: Actor Unni Mukundan opens up about working with Samantha, surrogacy

Hyderabad: Actor Unni Mukundan is one of the well-known faces in the Malayalam film industry. He made his debut in Tollywood with Anushka Shetty's 'Bhaagamathie'. Now, he is all set for his next film 'Yashoda' with Samantha. Here is our interview with the actor.

Excited about the release of 'Yashoda' after a couple of films in Tollywood?

Unni Mukundan: Yes. I have done three films in Telugu. I have played good characters in almost every movie. Also, those three films were hits at the box office. Now I am acting with Samantha in 'Yashoda'. She is a very talented actress. Also, as an actor…I always concentrate on the story. What is my role in it and how much can I do in that role? It is also important to show innovation as an actor! Shooting for 'Yashoda' was a very engaging process. We made a good movie. I am waiting to know the reaction of the audience.

What was your reaction when directors Hari & Harish narrated the story to you?

Unni Mukundan: I immediately said ok. There was no doubt about it.

What impressed you most about 'Yashoda'? Also, as per the trailer, it seems you are playing the role of a doctor.

Unni Mukundan: I can't say much about my character at the moment. You will know about it when you watch the movie. The story is also the reason why I immediately said OK. Let me stay silent about my role for now.

How was it working with Samantha?

Unni Mukundan: Samantha is a very dedicated and hard-working actress. She has prepared a lot for her role. The fights were well done and she skillfully handled the action and emotional scenes. She talks well with other artists on the set. We discussed ideas on how to do a scene. In Malayalam, the working style is slightly different. I generally don't prefer to rehearse. On the set of a Malayalam movie, I want to surprise the other artists. I will not tell them what I will do, but I will show it directly in front of the camera. I feel then their expressions will be natural that way.

Are you following the same in Telugu too?

Unni Mukundan: Yes. Doing that in Malayalam films got good results. So, same here! The other actor's expression will be lively when they don't know what I am going to do.

Recently, Samantha said she has myositis. Did you know about it while shooting?

Unni Mukundan: I didn't know about it while shooting. Samantha was very professional. She never said that she was fighting such a disease. I felt sad after seeing Samantha's post. But as a person who knows Samantha personally, I am sure that she will defeat her disease and will come back to us in good health.

The trailer for all languages is getting excellent responses. What kind of response are you getting from the Malayalam audience?

Unni Mukundan: The Malayalam trailer has also got a very good response. Not only the Malayalam trailer, but the other trailers, in other languages, are also getting good responses from the audience. It is a commercially packaged script that appeals to everyone. I hope you will enjoy watching it in the theaters.

Sivalenka Krishna Prasad is the producer who made a great movie like 'Aditya 369' in Telugu. He was also the producer of 'Yashoda'. How did you feel working with him?

Unni Mukundan: He is a very humble person. I got to know a lot about him when I met him. He knows everything about the storyline and the script. He gave the team whatever they wanted from the production house. He always wishes to make a good movie. He is ready to do anything for it. All our team and directors are grateful to Sridevi Movies Company. 'Yashoda' is a futuristic story idea. It shows where our society is heading. Soon it will become a reality.

The film was made in the background of surrogacy. What is your opinion on surrogacy?

Unni Mukundan: That's a personal thing! No one has any problem when someone approaches legal surrogacy. Surrogacy is a more straightforward thing to talk about. But, it is an emotional journey. We can't comment on it easily. Scientifically speaking, it is a miracle. We hear about such things in Puranas.