From Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Recommendation to the Big Screen: How Kathir Landed a Role in ‘I Am Game’

Tamil actor Kathir is making a highly anticipated return to Malayalam cinema with the upcoming project I Am Game. In a fascinating turn of events, the actor revealed that his involvement in the film was the direct result of a glowing recommendation from acclaimed filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj.

The “Guaranteed” Pitch

Kathir, who previously featured in the Malayalam film Meesha, shared that he had no prior acquaintance with director Nahas Hidayath before Lokesh intervened. The connection was sparked by a simple phone call.

“One day, Lokesh anna called and asked if I had watched RDX,” Kathir recalled, referring to Hidayath’s blockbuster 2023 action film. “He told me that Nahas wanted to meet me, but emphasized that I didn’t even need to listen to the script. He had already heard it and was giving me his personal guarantee.”

Trusting Lokesh’s creative judgment, Kathir met with the director in Chennai, marking the beginning of their collaboration.

Stepping into the Crease

In I Am Game, Kathir takes on the role of a cricketer. Despite his performance, the actor candidly admitted that his real-world skills on the pitch were limited.

“I had only played small, casual games back home, so I was a bit apprehensive,” Kathir confessed. However, working under Nahas Hidayath shifted his perspective. Contrary to the intense, serious persona one might associate with the creator of RDX, Kathir described the director as a gentle, soft-spoken, and supportive individual who gave him the confidence to master the role.

A Shared Vision with Dulquer Salmaan

The project is also a significant venture for actor and producer Dulquer Salmaan. Kathir expressed deep admiration for the star’s commitment to quality cinema, noting that Dulquer’s willingness to bankroll ambitious projects based on his faith in the creative team is truly commendable.

“I asked him how he could invest such a huge amount based on his belief in the director, the cinematographer, and the story,” said Kathir. “His passion for cinema and the risks he takes are something that really needs to be appreciated.”

A Mystery Unveiled

Perhaps most intriguing is the fact that Kathir has yet to watch the completed film. He revealed that the production team has kept the final cut under wraps, even for the cast. As a result, Kathir will experience the final product for the first time alongside the audience, a sentiment that only adds to his personal excitement.

I Am Game is scheduled for a worldwide release on September 3. As the film gears up for its big-screen debut, the journey from an unexpected phone call to a major ensemble role stands as a testament to the strong bonds and mutual trust shared within the South Indian film industry.