To make it big in Malayalam films, fan clubs a must

Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 20 (IANS) Malayalam actor Sankar, who has now turned director with "Keralotsavam 2009", says having a fans' association is necessary to survive as an actor in the film industry.

Sankar debuted as a lead actor in the 1980 film "Manjil Virinja Pookal", which incidentally also starred Mohanlal. But Sankar ended up playing second lead in most movies after that.

"May be if I had listened to the advice of those who told me then that a fan's association is a must, I would not have faded out as an actor," Sankar told reporters here.

Mohanlal, who played a villain in "Manjil Virinja Pookal", went on to become a superstar. And he is known to have a hugely popular fan's association.

"Honestly, I never realised that a fan's association was a must then. When many said it is a must, I dissuaded them," Sankar added.

Sankar's first film as director stars Vinu Mohan and newcomer Vishnupriya in lead roles and also features Nedumudi Venu, Kalabhavan Mani, Salim Kumar and Abhirami Suresh.

Sankar also pointed out that making a film without superstars was a huge risk.

"The order of the day today is that it is difficult for any film to have a good run without superstars. Films at times means business and there is a fine line between doing business and doing a good film," the actor-director said.