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I am in search of characters that are different from my real self.

Boy next door: Jayasurya plays the role of the junkie in ‘Kangaroo.’

With no lineage in films, Jayasurya’s rise to stardom might resemble a film script. He has come a long way from a mimicry artiste and a television anchor to a film star. He is perhaps identified more as a ‘boy next door’ and the best thing about him is that he is aware of his strengths and weaknesses.

Despite acting as a hero in Vinayan’s ‘Oomappenninu Uriyadappayyan,’ Jayasurya says he has had no hesitation in being part of the supporting cast or even playing a baddie. Many believe this has worked to his advantage.

In an interview, Jayasurya talks about his career and also about his grey characters in films such as ‘Classmates,’ ‘Arabikkatha,’ ‘Hareendran Oru Nishkalankan’ and in the recently released ‘Kangaroo.’ He believes the negative characters have helped him grow as an actor. Excerpts:

I consider myself incredibly lucky to have become a hero so early in my career. Most of my films have had a good run at the cash registers. It has never been the length of the role that attracted me to a role but the strength of the characters.

I believe the supporting roles give an artist more opportunities to experiment, without the constraints of certain images that the heroes are forced to stick to. Of course, there is no denying the impact that heroes have in a film. For instance, in ‘Pulival Kalyanam,’ though I was the hero, I enjoyed the performance of Salim Kumar above every one else’s. I am in search of characters that are different from my real self. As it is said, contrary to real life, only in films can a negative act bring in positive reactions.

Generally it is not intentional and I do what the script demands, but in ‘Kangaroo’ it was my decision to do that particular role of the villain.

The project was initially discussed with me as the hero; I had opted out of ‘Chotta Mumbai’ as the shooting dates of the two films would have clashed as per the original plans.

It is another story that the project eventually got delayed and I got interested in this role of the eccentric Monachan.

I was aware of the possibilities of the role of the junkie in ‘Kangaroo.’ The full impact of the role is revealed in the last 20 minutes of the climax and I approached it with the enthusiasm of a newcomer.

Are you influenced by any other actor’s style, especially when you do negative roles?

Not really. I believe in creating my own style. I think if you do your homework and prepare well to enact a character, it will get into us naturally. You yourself would have to be convinced about the style first and only then will it be accepted by the audience.