Jayasurya enacts the life and struggles of VP Sathyan, the footballer who was the Indian skipper for the longest term.
Photo: Manu MulanthuruthiOnce again, popular actor Jayasurya is here to amaze us. In a semi-rugged athletic built, he plays erstwhile Indian football captain VP Sathyan in debutante director Prajesh Sen's 'Captain.' (The film hit the theaters on Friday). Jayasurya enacts the life and struggles of the footballer who was the Indian skipper for the longest term. Jayasurya narrates to Onmanorama his experiences during the filming of 'Captain.'
Your physical and mental preparation ahead of the movie...
It was on the location of my previous movie Fukri that director Prajesh Sen discussed with me this idea on football legend VP Sathyan. He thought he wouldn't need to introduce me to the character but I barely had any idea. I had been a poor follower of football. Prajesh then took time to narrate the personal life of Sathyan to me. I was moved by his eccentricity, enthusiasm and grave destiny. Once I decided to make a commitment, I started doing work-outs and physical grooming to build an athletic body. But I knew mere physical appearance wouldn't suffice. There was a level of mental and emotional posture for me to attain. I traveled and met his kith and kin to learn more about VP Sathyan, his mindset, attitude, social behavior, and family life.
Tell us more about your journey in search of Sathyan...
Every single aspect of this movie is as touching as a real life experience. I remember having met Anitha Sathyan, VP Sathyan's wife, several times during the making of this movie. I wonder how a person could value a sport more than his life! He is one who told his wife on their first night that he would quit marriage if she wanted him to abandon football. Now, imagine the man suddenly realizing that he cannot step onto the field ever again in his life. This pushed him into dire depression? There had been instances in his life which I, as a person, would have chosen to face with a loud cry. But Sathyan was different. He never burst out. He was, probably, imploding. Thus, every emotional sequence in the movie continues to haunt the weak, sensitive person that I am.
Your association with Prajesh Sen...
When do you call a filmmaker a mature soul? It is when he starts behaving in a stable, experienced manner on location. Prajesh had a clear idea of what he wanted from each actor, each artist, and property on the set. He seemed relaxed and calm all through the schedules. However talented a filmmaker is, poor man management can turn away artists. But, we shared hopes and ideas for another movie together.
You become a full-fledged football fan after playing VP Sathyan?
To be sincere, this is the first time I think of the pain that players take. When we cheer and applaud, when we blame players for missed goals, we seldom think of the long work-outs, training sessions, enthusiasm and pain. I have become an ardent fan of footballers but not of football. I look up at each footballer with high respect and honor now.
The most haunting sequence you enacted in the movie...
Every single scene in this movie is haunting. VP Sathyan is a person who wrote suicide notes very often. One would think that he expected to meet his end any time. There is a scene when Anitha, VP Sathyan's wife, welcomes a cheerful Sathyan who's back after a victorious game, with his suicide note in her hand. With immense pain, she takes out the pen in his pocket and sticks her own bindi on its nib. She says: “The next time you sit down to write a suicide note, watch this nib piercing my bindi. Our son and I shall end our lives with you.” I still remember the level of emotional stress that scene rendered me. Captain does not have any fight sequences, unwanted romance scenes or plain humor. All of it comes in the football matches which form the soul of the movie.
Photo: Manu Mulanthuruthi