Sai Prithviraj, a nine-year-old actor, has captured the hearts of audiences with his performance in Baththa, a film directed by Balaji Tharaneetharan and starring Vijay Sethupathi. The film, which premiered on October 1, was initially marketed as a gangster drama but unfolds as a poignant narrative about repression and identity, seen through the eyes of a child.
In the film, Sai plays Sabari, a character whose emotional depth and vulnerability have resonated with viewers, leading to widespread applause. Despite the complexity of his role, Sai remains unfazed by the attention, eagerly anticipating feedback from his school friends once he returns to class. "I have been busy with the promotions, " he says, noting that he hasn't yet had the chance to discuss the film with his peers.
Sai's journey into acting was inspired by his sister, Kayal, who also works in the film industry. "My sister taught me acting, and I started liking it, " he explains. Despite his young age, Sai has already developed a diverse set of interests, including dance and football, but he insists that acting classes were never part of his training. "It's all my own, " he asserts proudly.
On set, Sai's confidence shone through. He recounts how running in chappals posed the greatest challenge, as he was more accustomed to running barefoot or in shoes. Yet, the young actor took it in stride, never allowing nerves to get the better of him. Director Balaji's approach to guiding Sai was methodical and patient, which the child actor appreciated. "I liked how correctly he explained what I had to do, " Sai recalls.
A pivotal scene in Baththa involves Sabari stuttering and revealing his inner turmoil to an adult, a moment that has been particularly well-received by audiences. Sai credits Navaneeth, Balaji's assistant, for helping him prepare for this emotionally charged scene. "He taught me the emotion of the scene, " Sai says, acknowledging the support he received from the crew.
Working alongside seasoned actors like Vijay Sethupathi was a rewarding experience for Sai. Sethupathi, whom Sai affectionately refers to as "Sethu sir, " offered guidance and encouragement throughout the filming process. "He said I performed superbly and kept repeating that education is important, " Sai shares, highlighting the camaraderie he felt with his co-stars, including Santhy Balachandran, Lijomol Jose, and Hari Krishnan.
For now, Sai is focused on balancing his burgeoning acting career with his school commitments. "I think I will be very tired before school because of all these promotions, " he admits, though he remains committed to engaging with the media and fans who have shown interest in his work.
Sai's enthusiasm for acting and his ability to handle the pressures of the industry at such a young age suggest a promising future. As he continues to navigate the world of cinema, he remains grounded, driven by a passion for storytelling and a desire to learn from those around him.
