From serials to playing Abhimanyu's friend on silver screen: Swarup on his cinematic journey

Newcomer Swarup is all set to make his entry into the Malayalam cinema through the movie Padmavyoohathile Abhimanyu, which tells the story of the slain student leader Abhimanyu. The young actor plays the role of Abhimanyu’s close friend in the movie. Meanwhile, Wayanad native Aakash dons the role of the title character. Though Swarup has acted in a handful of Malayalam movies as a child artiste, he is mostly seen in the Telugu cinema. The actor shared his unique experiences about working in various industries.

The Malayali audience may recognize Swarup as the child actor from many popular movies and serials. The actor, who is settled in Chennai, had worked abroad for a few years before taking the plunge into the movies. Kozhikode native Swarup decided to move to Chennai to pursue a career in acting. Being passionate about the movies since childhood, he made his debut as a child artiste when he was in high school. Renowned filmmaker Lisa Baby is his relative and it was with the help of the veteran director that Swarup found a few roles in serials. However, Lisa Baby never encouraged the actor to venture into movies, instead he urged him to complete his education and land a good job.

Swarup with director Vineesh (C) and actress Bhagyalakshmi (L) on the sets of 'Padmavyoohathile Abhimanyu'

Film producer Mani C Kappan gave Swarup a role in one of his movies following an instruction from former minister A C Shanmugadas who was the actor’s father’s friend. In Malayalam, he  performed as a child actor in movies like Man of the Match and a few serials including Adyapaka Kathakal by Akbar Kakkattil. After that, Swarup concentrated on completing his studies and flew to the United Kingdom. However, he was not ready to give up his passion and he thereby became part of many Irish movies and short films.

Years later, when he landed in Chennai, still passionate about acting, there wasn’t anyone in the industry who could help him. Swarup said that he had the whole-hearted support of his wife, relatives and friends even when he strove to find good opportunities in movies. Though movies seemed like a distant dream, he was not ready to give up yet. It was through TV serials that he established himself as an actor. The role of Lord Indra in the serial Mahabaratham directed by noted director Suresh Krishna gave him the big break that the actor was yearning for. Movies like Ennul Aayiram and Oru Murai Vanthu Paarthaya soon followed. Swarup began to be recognized as a popular actor after sharing screen space with Dhanush in the super hit Tamil movie Thodari. It didn’t take too long for Swarup after that to become a busy actor in both Tamil and Telugu.

Swarup stated that he didn’t try his luck in Malayalam as he thought there were many other actors who looked like him. However, he was advised by his friends and well wishers to seek roles in Malayalam as well. That is how he landed the role in Padmavyoohathile Abhimanyu.

“Though I wanted to become a part of Malayalam cinema, I hadn’t really tried for any opportunities. However, I got it when I tried for it. I had a great experience working in Padmavyoohathile Abhimanyu. I hope that the audience accepts this movie wholeheartedly. I too was greatly pained by Abhimanyu’s story. We lost an amazing student leader who was rising from the campus. I consider myself fortunate to have got the opportunity to act in a movie which tells the story of such a great martyr. Many young actors had approached the director for the role. However, it was me who was fortunate to essay the character of Abhimanyu’s friend,” said Swarup with pride.

Swarup wishes to do more exciting roles. He has one Telugu flick in his kitty. Right now, Swarup is gearing up for the release of Padmavyoohathile Abhimanyu which will hit screens by February.

Vineesh Aradhya directs the film and has also penned the script. The female lead is played by Shruti Menon, who is a model and Mrs Kerala runner-up. Indrans, Anoop Chandran and Sona Nair also feature in supporting roles. One highlight of the film is the presence of late SFI veteran Simon Britto, who plays a role along with his family in the movie.

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