Milind Soman Makes Digital Debut in 'Kaattaan' with Vijay Sethupathi
Milind Soman is poised to explore the digital realm with the upcoming series 'Kaattaan', where he will share the screen with acclaimed actor Vijay Sethupathi. This project marks a significant new chapter in Soman's illustrious career, as he transitions into streaming after decades of working in films across multiple languages. While Soman has previously appeared in Tamil and Telugu cinema, 'Kaattaan' offers him a fresh and exciting experience in the OTT format, broadening his artistic horizons.
Breaking Free from Repetitive Roles
In a candid reflection on his journey, Soman revealed to Mid-Day that he faced a phase where he was repeatedly offered similar characters, leading him to step back from acting. "Well, I have done South Indian films before, Tamil films, Telugu films. It's my first series," he shared, also recalling his work in Tamil cinema nearly two decades ago. He admitted, "But then they were offering me a similar role in all these films. So eventually I said, I don't want to do this same kind of role anymore," explaining his decision to wait for more diverse opportunities.
For Soman, the uniqueness of a role takes precedence over its length or prominence. "If something may be positive, then I can do it... it just has to be something different from what I did before," he emphasized, adding that he is open to portraying anything from a gardener to a grandfather, as long as it feels innovative. After declining repetitive offers, he experienced a long hiatus before varied roles began to emerge. "So eventually, I mean, 10 years later, I started getting roles like that," he noted, with 'Kaattaan' being one such project that met his criteria for originality and substance.
Why 'Kaattaan' Stood Out for Soman
Soman detailed the factors that influenced his decision to join 'Kaattaan', highlighting his instinct-driven approach to selecting projects. "So that was one reason to say yes to it... the role is interesting. The character is interesting. And the people were great. That's all that I look at," he stated. In the series, he takes on the role of Sivettan, a character that immediately intrigued him and aligns with his constant pursuit of roles that challenge him creatively.
Praise for Co-Star Vijay Sethupathi
Discussing his collaboration with Vijay Sethupathi, Soman had nothing but admiration for his co-star. "Nothing really funny, but he's just a really sweet person... he made everything very comfortable," he remarked. He added that their scenes together were stress-free and enjoyable, describing the overall experience as "very relaxed." This positive dynamic contributed to a smooth and productive working environment on set.
Looking Ahead: Soman's Artistic Philosophy
Reflecting on his career, Soman observed that filmmakers often approach him with preconceived notions based on his past performances over the last 35 years. However, he prefers to avoid repeating roles and seeks out fresh challenges. "If they say you did that role and we want something like this, immediately I say no... it has to be something that you've never done," he shared. He also expressed enjoyment in understanding how directors perceive him and reshaping that image through his performances, which continues to fuel his passion for acting.
