Interview with Murali Gopi

Actor and scriptwriter Murali Gopy is certainly the man of the moment with all his films being much talked about, for good and bad reasons. His latest outing, Vedivazhipadu, was much criticised for its ‘controversial’ content, before and after its realise. Murali speaks about why he chose to act in the film, how films are a medium of creativity for him and future projects.Excerpts:
Vedivazhipadu was much criticised for its content.
There are films which are obscene and films about obscenity. A viewer should be able to distinguish between the two. Vedivazhipadu is an adult comedy, a satire with sociological and psychological layers. All good films, I feel, should have a sociological angle. Vedivazhipadu is a film which is much ahead of its times and I encourage all such ventures. Only a prudish society would find the film obscene. Everyone can watch it, as it depicts a cross section of society. It is women who should watch it first.
Were you concerned about your image as an actor while choosing to act in an adult comedy?
I don’t place myself on a moralistic platform to judge any film. As an actor, I shouldn’t be conscious about an image; my aim should be to break it. Any actor should be an image breaker for that matter. In Ee Adutha Kalathu, the character I played, Ajay Kurian, was something else altogether. My only concern while choosing a film is its theme. Ee Adutha Kalathu broke open paths. In Lal Jose’s Ezhu Sundara Rathrikal, I play a boxer, while in Naku Penta Naku Taka, I play a Sri Lankan hitman. In 1 by Two, which is a psychological thriller, I play another complicated character. It has been one of the most challenging of all so far. I have also been signed to write for and act in Ratheesh Ambat’s debut feature film, which will have Dileep, Fahadh and me in the lead roles.
You are quite active on social networking sites where you speak about your views on various issues…
I consider my social networking page as a platform to discuss my views on a personal level, not in my capacity as an actor. Films are my creative platform.
What are you more passionate about — acting or scriptwriting?
Right now, as is obvious, I’m more into acting than scripting. But in the future, I want to do less of acting and be more choosy, so that I can focus more on scripting, which I believe is important. But I apply myself completely to whatever I do at a given moment.
You don’t belong to any particular group in the film fraternity. Has it ever posed a problem?
I believe that a creative artist is always alone. Having said that, I have never made a conscious effort to be part of any group, but I am friendly towards all. There are only brothers-in-creativity in cinema, I feel. And I have never had a fear that I will lose out on opportunities owing to this aspect. Whatever is due to me will be given to me. I don’t do any of this expecting rewards or awards. If ever a time comes when I am not given opportunities, I will retire happily.