Dileep: My films are entertainers

Dileep is a much loved comic hero but in Joshiy’s Avatharam, the actor would be seen in a serious role. 

His character, Madhavan Mahadevan, takes on the system. It is the story of the common man’s struggle against the powerful in society.

Lakshmi Menon, the Malayali girl who has become a sensation in Tamil films, is his heroine.

In this exclusive interview, Dileep talks about his films and why he never takes his detractors too seriously.

Tell us about your latest release, Avatharam.

Avatharam is a typical Joshiy film. It is not perhaps like most of my films.

It’s a family thriller.

My character, Madhavan Mahadevan, comes to the city from BisonValley in Idukki. An engineering graduate, he faces some tough situations.

You seems to be happy doing comedies, which are almost always received well by the viewers.

My films are entertainers aimed at viewers who go to the cinema to have a good time.

All I want is that the producers of my films should make profits and the audiences should feel they have got their money’s worth. 

Your films rarely get the thumbs up from the critics...

Most of my hits have been written off by the so-called critics, including this year’s Ring Master, which went on to do good business at the box office.

The funny thing is that even when I do films that could cater to the likes of those criticising me, they don’t turn up to watch them.

So I tend to ignore them all and focus on my work instead.

What was it like working with director Joshiy, whom you assisted during Sainyam?

I share a great rapport with Joshiy sir. It is always great to be directed by him

Your heroine in Avatharam, Lakshmi Menon, is making her comeback in Malayalam films.

She is very talented and it was really nice working with her. It’s good that Tamil cinema has realised her potential.

Which are your future projects?

Right now, I am shooting for Villaali Veeran, which is a laugh riot.

Next, I will team up with scenarists Siby K Thomas and Udayakrishna for the film Ivan Maryada Raman, which will be directed by a newcomer.