Villains aren't baddies anymore: Sampath Raj

We have seen his 'bad guy' avatars in films across South India, and Kollywood actor Sampath Raj is back in Malayalam. He is all set to play the baddie opposite Mammootty in Nithin Renji Panicker's upcoming movie Kasaba. The actor also has more reasons to be happy as he has, for the first time, dubbed for a Malayalam movie, Jayaram's Aadupuliyattam. In conversation with the much-loved trouble-maker:
There's a lot to do besides being bad in Kasaba'
Generally, a villain character in a film is either good or bad.But in Kasaba, I'm no quintessential anti-hero, who just creates troubles. There are a lot of emotions involved too, and the villain even cries. I signed the film as I was impressed with the way the debutant director Nithin narrated the script and described my character. The baddie has a lot to do besides being bad, in this movie (laughs).
I'm a lot more confident in Malayalam now
I have been acting in all South Indian film industries and also dubbing in all of them, except Malayalam. Acting in Malayalam films was an enjoyable experience, but language was always a barrier. Coming from a theatre background, I have been particular about getting my lines right. Aadupuliyattam marks my debut dubbing in the industry and it was no ordinary experience. My character in the movie hails from the border areas of Kerala and thus, the team was convinced that me dubbing for my part would make sense. Jayaram and the film's director Kannan also encouraged me and said I should give it a try.
As for my Malayalam dialogues, I used to get them recorded on my phone, listen to them over and over to make sure that I deliver them right. I ensured that I got them right at the first try itself.
Villains are getting a new lease of life
In the past, we had many strong negative characters in our films but after a while, the quality of the characterisations deteriorated. As someone who has been doing films across languages, I can say that with the inflow of many new filmmakers and writers, villains are getting a new lease of life. They aren't the stereotypical baddies anymore who end up getting beaten up. The new villains strengthen the hero of the film. They have many shades too to handle now. It's a reassuring development.
I get all kinds of roles now In the recent past, I have played all kinds of roles in industries like Telugu, ranging from comedian to positive, strong character roles. Now, I am looked at as an actor who can play all kinds of roles.