TV actors make the shift to the big screen

After Santhanam and Sivakarthikeyan managed to shine in films, television has become a platform for many aspiring actors who want to get a break in films. Chennai Times presents a few TV stars who will soon be seen on the big screen.
Senthil
Senthil is popularly known as Saravanan in south Indian homes. He enthralled television audiences with his role in the serial Saravanan Meenakshi (SM).Now moving on to films, he says, ���I am popular only because of SM. I have worked on a couple of films earlier, but only after the serial people recognize me. My performance in it has given me enough mileage to bag my debut film as hero, Kanpesum Varthaigal. The producers are confident now that I can carry a film on my shoulder. I have signed a couple of films. The roles are similar to my character in SM. A few years ago TV actors were not given much opportunities in films fearing of our over exposure on television. But now the trend is different. Directors value us as actors and come forward to cast TV star in their films. I simultaneously work for my serial and my films.���
Neelima Rani
Popular TV actress Neelima Rani has recently shifted to films. She says, ���Films are a kind of promotion. I have been working on serials for the past two decades. I wanted to try the next level in this creative field. Now, I am producing the film Peralai, which is quite interesting. At the same time I cannot quit TV, I will get back to serials soon.���
Michael
TV star Michael is playing the lead in an upcoming film Nalanum Nandhiniyum. On bagging his debut film, he says, ���My participation on the dance reality shows is my identity card in films. After winning the dance show, I was able to approach the directors with ease. Kana Kaanum Kaalangal was a learning experience. My works in television played a crucial role in bagging my debut flick.���
Ishwarya
Reality show winner Ishwarya has bagged a couple of lead roles in films. She says, ���After winning Manada Mayilada, I wanted to focus on films. So, I took a break from reality shows. Initially, directors were hesitant to cast me as I am popular on the small screen. After Attakathi, I have been approached by a few directors. That���s how I bagged Rummy. TV is a different world; the popularity in small screen will not help much in films.���