Actor Gokulan M S adds, “There’s no room for heartache in movies, only next project.”

Gokulan M S, a resident of Kochi, made a name for himself in the fiercely competitive film industry through tenacity, passion, and a preference for organization. What keeps him there, though, is his natural acting style, which he perfected over years of performing in theatre, as well as his humility and ability to put himself in other people’s shoes.

 

Here, TNIE has an honest conversation with the actor about his early career in film, future endeavors, and other topics.

How did this dream of acting in movies come to be? How did you receive your first opportunity?

I have always had a strong interest in theater. My dad worked in theater as an artist. He used to take me to concerts in the past. Of course, I became interested in this too.

I came to Cusat for my PG and MPhil in economics because of the already-thriving theater scene, which gave me greater exposure and performing chances. This led to my first break in the film industry. Manoj Kumar and Vinod Kumar, my tutors, worked as partners for the director Lohithadas. I received an invitation from their buddy Meera Kathiravan to play a minor part in his first Tamil film, Aval Peyar Tamilarasi. I was the sidekick to the hero.

I wasn’t working hard to pursue a career in film at the time. I was happy to work on the theater and the odd music CD.

However, I was also able to gradually assemble a film portfolio in addition to them. The Malayalam movie Kudumbashree Travels was my first. One of my theater performances pleased Kiran, the director of the film.

That was back in 2009. I was able to get other chances in the next years. Even though the parts I was first assigned were modest, they all aroused my interest. I soon came to believe that my life was a movie, and I began to take it more seriously. I am now at this point.

We often hear that in order to succeed in the film business, one needs a paternal figure.

My own experience has taught me that nothing is insurmountable if you persevere. I had a plan. I went out of my way to find positions. I still do. I give filmmakers whose films I’ve liked a call to see if they have any future projects I may be interested in. Fantastic if they do. I’ll put all into the job. I’m going to ignore anything else.

If not, I will bid them farewell, thank them for their time, and go on to the next assignment. In our field, sadness is nonexistent; the focus is always on the next job. In addition, I make sure to record the date in my diary if someone requests a call from me after six months and I quickly follow up. I remained organized because I was determined not to let anybody down. I am enjoying the fruits of it now.

I estimate that like myself, more than 90% of those working in the field nowadays. Thanks to their dedication and hard work, they succeeded.

How did you maintain your motivation while the movies were taking a break? Have you given any thought to pursuing other facets of filmmaking?

Songs are something I like listening to. I normally stay at home and listen to music when there’s no job. On the patio, I’ve built up a little area. I take a seat here and let my mind wander to music and ideas. Everyone needs a place like this to relax.

Regarding other matters, not really. I’m not really knowledgeable about any of that. I’ll continue doing acting. I like it the best.

Which projects are you working on next?

My work with the Kerala State Film Development Corporation is now over. Additionally, I’ve wrapped up a movie with filmmaker Thaha (of Ee Parakkum Thalika renown). I’m now collaborating with a new filmmaker named Shanu Samad on a project. We’re going to start filming Tovino’s next shortly.

What do you think of the Malayalam cinema industry?

Mollywood produces top-notch material. That is something we have been seeing for years. Today, this is a truth recognized across the nation. They all agree that our tales have a lot of color. All one has to do is look at the movies that were out in 2024. Mollywood has developed into a multi-genre business nowadays. I’m quite pleased to work in this field, personally.