'SIR': How Samyuktha Menon traversed villages to prepare for Biology teacher's role
Samyuktha had the opportunity to share screen space with versatile actor Dhanush for SIR. This bilingual film is releasing in Tamil as Vaathi . Samuthirakhani is playing a key role in the movie.
By Bhavana Published on 16 Feb 2023 3:31 AM GMT
In a very short period, Samyuktha Menon worked with some versatile actors and made a mark for herself. She worked with Pawan Kalyan, Rana Daggubati, Kalyan Ram and Prithviraj Sukumaran. Samyuktha had the opportunity to share screen space with versatile actor Dhanush for SIR. This bilingual film is releasing in Tamil as Vaathi . Samuthirakhani is playing a key role in the movie. SIR is hitting the screens on February 17. Ahead of the release, Samyuktha Menon shared her experience. Excerpts:
Can you tell us a little about your film journey?
My first movie started while I was on a vacation. I hail from a village in Kerala and I never believed I would make it this far. Somehow destiny got me here. I did one movie with full focus. Then I fell in love with the cinema. I consider cinema to be divine and spiritual. When things happen by luck then we don’t find difficulties. I had my best phase when I started movies in Telugu.
How was working for SIR? How did the story come to you?
When I signed up for Bimbisara and Virupaksha, I got a call from the Bheemla Nayak team. I loved the changes they made to the original character. After signing Bheemla Nayak, I met Venky Atluri and he narrated the story of SIR. Then I realized this was a great film and I should not miss it. I did a look test and I got finalized.
How did you prep for the role of a Biology teacher?
It purely depends on the character. For some, I want to be spontaneous. Then only the best acting happens. For a few roles, we have to prepare a lot. I went around a few villages in Andhra and Telangana to understand more about characters and their behaviors. I talk to the director and writer to get more understanding of the character. For my teacher role in Sir, I visited schools to see how the teachers look, dress, and talk. So, people can relate to my character.
Can you tell us about your working experience with Dhanush?
I have been watching Dhanush’s movies for a long time. He is an actor and a star. He is working in all languages and international films. It’s a really good experience working with him. Dhanush is very quick and fast. When I faced difficulties with dialogues in two languages, he gave me confidence and I became stress-free. Dhanush is spontaneous. He is a subtle performer and knows how to be optimal with acting.
Why do you consider acting to be divine?
If we have to act, then we have to be in the moment. I must shut myself from external happenings when I am in the character. It’s not easy to achieve this state. Only a few times, I got into a true or pure moment. We must be completely into the film. The same can be achieved by meditation and I get there through my acting in films.
How important is the character in the film?
In huge films, female leads are seen playing short roles. But in Sir, the female lead has much more to do. I am not just limited to the romance part but also connected with the main plot in a big way.
Is SIR majorly focused on education?
Sir is a wholesome entertainer. We want the audience to feel for education and the reforms. The audience will connect with all the characters and scenes.
