Comparing me to a bigger star is a burden to me: Tovino

Tovino Thomas has been lauded by Malayali film lovers as the next big star in the industry but the actor brushes off all such claims. 'I'm just a beginner,' he says, adding that all he wants to do are some good roles, whatever the genre of the film. And he sure is getting a handful of different roles ' from a wrestler in Godha to a campus leader in his upcoming film Oru Mexican Apaaratha.In a candid chat, Tovino speaks about his film aspirations, losing muscles and then gaining them again for different roles, and more.
How was it playing a wrestler in Godha?
We still have a schedule with gusthi left, to be shot in Punjab. Actually Godha is about a woman wrestler, played by Wamiqa Gabbi. She becomes a professional wrestler and trains for a national level competition. The idea of a woman wrestler making it big was conceived much before Sakshi Malik and Olympics happened. Renji Panicker's character is her coach and I'm his son. I do have gusthi sequences but not as many as the actress.
A recent picture of you had you showing off a six pack'
I wanted to look convincing for the role of a wrestler in Godha. So I just built some muscles, it wasn't a six pack or a makeover to amaze people. During the shoot of Guppy I was on a special diet, preparing for Godha. I go for such looks only for a film.
But I had to lose all the muscle for Oru Mexican Apaaratha, where I play a college student. I brought changes in the diet and workout, avoiding heavy weights. And for the final schedule of Godha I have to get back the muscles again! I have one month's time so am going to make the best use of it. It might seem a lot of work and I won't claim it's the only way for an actor to do things. I personally believe that when I prepare for a character, I get a head start.
There were also reports that your muscular physique is making some actors insecure'
I don't believe it. The Malayalam industry is growing at a fast pace and there is space for everyone here. There is only healthy competition, to my knowledge. And regarding the physique, it can be an advantage and a disadvantage at times. It's your call, at the end.
You are often compared to top actors of Mollywood...
Comparisons are a matter of pride but I'm someone who doesn't want to be compared. I like all actors equally. I'm a new person, and comparing me to someone big or more experienced is a burden to me. I prefer to create my own space through my characters.
Your latest release Guppy was not a box-office hit but was watched a lot after the DVD came out. You had even mulled over getting it re-released in theatres'
Many had told me they missed seeing it in theatres, which is why we contemplated a re-release. But later we realised that they all had already watched the movie on laptops or mobiles. Also there has never been a history of a re-release becoming a success so we dropped the idea.
But the film always had good reviews, even while it was running'
Yes. Maybe it did not run in theatres because I am not a star. But I don't want to be a star either; I just want to be known as an actor. I have wished only for that and that wish has been fulfilled. With regard to Guppy, as an actor I'm happy because people saw my work, even if it was through internet downloads.
My only woe is that the film was not made for a mobile or laptop, but for the big screen. It was made with a reasonable budget and the producers took a risk, casting me as the main star. To skip a movie in theatres and to make it a success after a DVD release is like discouraging a producer who wants to make good movies.
You are currently shooting for Oru Mexican Apaaratha. What is it about? Are you interested in politics in real life?
My character is an ordinary man in the film, and the film is about how his thoughts change over time. It is not a story of revenge but of a kind of defence which happens when you are suppressed. In real life I was never into politics in college but I have clear political views. I'm not happy with any party today, as a common citizen. But new people are coming in, and there are reasons for hope.
So what kind of films do you wish to be part of?
As an actor, there should be something in the film for me to perform. If it is shown in film festivals, people shouldn't say ayye. At the same time it should have a reasonable collection at the box office too, because there is a lot of money involved in the making. An ideal film would be something I want to see in theatres. I don't classify cinema into new gen, commercial etc. I only have good and bad cinema.
What else is coming up?
I also have a small part in Prithviraj-starrer Ezra. I play a cop. It's an important character, though small. You can call it a friendly appearance.