Debut film director Unni Sivalingam’s film Balti is all set to hit screens on September 26. Ahead of the film’s release, Shanthanu Bhagyaraj opened up about his role in the film, and the efforts he took to look perfect for his part.
Shanthanu Bhagyaraj Says He Underwent Intense Language and Kabbadi Training for Balti
At the press meet, Shanthanu Bhagyaraj opened up about learning Malayalam for the role. He went on to say that despite believing he can learn the language on his own, he could not ace it well. He then went on to get a language coach who helped him pick up Malayalam.
“When the director narrated the script to me, I was so impressed with both the script and my character in it that in order to ensure that I did not miss out on the opportunity, I told him I knew to speak Malayalam when I actually don’t know the language. Initially, I went to Kochi to dub for my portions, and when we completed I came back to Chennai. That was when the director called me and said that there were small, corrections and if I could return to dub certain parts again. When I went, I dubbed from start to finish all over again. After returning to Chennai, he again said there were minor corrections. I dubbed a third time, again from start to finish.” said the actor
Shanthanu Bhagyaraj later elaborated on the dubbing episode. He said “The first time, the dialogue flow was perfected, the second time, my slang was perfected and then, finally, my performance. I play a Tamil boy who speaks Malayalam. As those in the border regions know both languages well, the director had to ensure that I spoke Malayalam really well. I am thankful that the director paid such close attention to every small detail.”
Produced by STK Frames and Binu George Alexander Productions, it is shot simultaneously in Malayalam and Tamil. The film stars Shane Nigam, Preethi Asrani in lead roles.