Interview | Meet Malayalam cinema’s newest villains in the Joju George film ‘Pani’

Meet the vilest of villains in Malayalam cinema, Sagar Surya and Junaiz VP, who shine in Joju George's debut film ‘Pani’.

We meet Don Sebastian and Siju KT in actor-turned-director Joju George’s debut film Pani, a revenge drama, as they execute their first contract killing; they seem to enjoy being killers for hire. As the movie progresses, the emotions these two characters evoke range from utter dislike to revulsion. While Don is fidgety and prone to impulsiveness, Siju is silent, conveying menace with his eyes. These two characters stay with you as you walk out of the theatre. Say hello to two of Malayalam cinema’s vilest of villains in recent times!

However, meeting actors Sagar Surya (Don) and Junaiz VP (Siju) is a revelation of the amount of work they have put in to ‘get into character’. The proverbial boys next door, the friends have delivered a cracker of a performance in the film. The two Joju George discoveries are savouring their moment in the sun.  

The duo has been promoting the film non-stop across venues since its release on October 25. “I barely slept for a couple of hours last night,” says Sagar, 31, clearly enjoying every minute despite the tiredness. 

“This film is a golden opportunity for me,” says the actor who has so far done small roles in films such as Upacharapoorvam Gunda Jayan, Kuruthi, Kaapa, Jana Gana Mana, and Kasaragold among others. He is also part of a Malayalam television series, Thatteem Mutteem. 

Pani has been extremely satisfying and rewarding, especially in terms of the feedback coming their way, he says. Joju had told them that these characters would be talked about, “and that is what is happening!” Sagar says. The two actors hold their ground in the presence of seasoned actors.

“I have worked very hard on this film. Movies are hard, getting a good break is difficult. Somehow I have been lucky. Must be the blessings of my late mother,” says Sagar, who has a Masters in Engineering. 

Sagar and Junaiz had not watched the film in its entirety until the theatre release. “What I saw was my struggle of the past eight years — I remembered the pain of the journey that has got me here. It has been tough. It is the fruition of our work of one-and-a-half years. In the past I have been told that I would not make it as an actor, that I should find something else to do. Now, when I look back…Wow! I got a role in a Joju George film.”