The Hunt actor Shafeeq Mustafa on playing Sivarasan, understanding LTTE politics

India Today

5 days ago

For Malayalam actor Shafeeq Mustafa, landing the role of Sivarasan in SonyLIV's 'The Hunt - The Rajiv Gandhi Assassination' was more than just a career breakthrough - it was validation of a long-cherished dream that began in school dramas and survived a three-year stint in the Gulf.The series, based on the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, has brought Shafeeq widespread recognition for his portrayal of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) operative. "The response to 'The Hunt' was phenomenal, and many complimented my performance as Sivarasan in the show. Some of them even said, 'you're going to stay here'. I feel so happy and relieved," he shared in his exclusive interview with India Today Digital.advertisementWhen director Nagesh Kukunoor offered him the role, Shafeeq knew the opportunity was significant. "I knew that there will be a lot of scope for me as an actor and that I should perform well. I should be genuine to the role offered to me. I was lucky to work with Nagesh [Kukunoor] sir. That was my initial thought," he remarked.
The physical transformation for the role was intense - Shafeeq had to gain 5-6 kilograms in just 20 days. "I had only 20 days from the day I got selected for the role and the first day of shooting. Nagesh sir told me that I needed to put on weight for the role. I could manage only 5-6 kgs," he explained.The costume requirements proved equally challenging: "I had to wear lenses and prosthetics for the role of Sivarasan. If you wear that for a long time, your eyes get irritated and start getting watery. That was the most difficult part of wearing the one-eyed get up." To prepare for the complex role, Shafeeq immersed himself in research. "Before 'The Hunt', I had watched 'Deepan' at IFFK (International Film Festival of Kerala). I also watched Madhavan's 'Kannathil Muthamittal'. I hadn't watched any other films on Rajiv Gandhi's case. But, I saw the videos, documentaries and news clips from that time. I also watched the interviews of LTTE. I had deep conversations with my friends in the media."The collaboration with veteran director Nagesh Kukunoor was a learning experience. "Nagesh sir used to teach me how to emote for every scene. If I had performed a different way, he would explain to me what he wanted. I had most scenes with South actors and the experience was enjoyable. Everyone helped me,' he added.Reflecting on his experience, Shafeeq noted that while the suicide scene was his favourite during filming, "When I watched the show on the screen, it was the gun shooting scene that made go wow." The series has not only established him as a serious actor but also fulfilled a long-time dream. "It was my long-time dream to become an actor. I want to do it as long as possible."Shafeeq maintained a clear distinction between his craft and politics. When asked if he had developed any opinion on Sivarasan and the functioning of the LTTE, he said, "My sole aim was to do the character [of Sivarasan] properly. I am an actor first, so I did not form any opinion on politics involved. I wanted to perform the character to the best of my abilities."advertisementShafeeq's path to acting wasn't straightforward. Recalling the time he decided to pursue acting as a career, he stated, "When I was in school, I was a part of many dramas. I then worked in the Gulf for three years. A few of my friends were into movies. One of my friends, who was trying to become a director, advised me to stay there as I had the skill. In 2015, I came back to Kerala and, since then, I have been trying my hand at Malayalam movies."Before 'The Hunt', his filmography included small roles in the Malayalam film Ayyappanum Koshiyum, short films, and music videos. He explained, "This was my first big opportunity. Before 'The Hunt', I played small roles in the Malayalam film Ayyappanum Koshiyum, short films and music videos. When I was trying hard to get into movies, I received this opportunity. So, I had no thoughts. Nagesh sir and his team are the reason for me to pick this. I was not hesitant."advertisementWith 'The Hunt' behind him, Shafeeq is being selective about future projects. Explaining his decision, he said, "I had acted in an independent film, but I am not sure if it will have a theatrical release. I am in talks for more projects, but hasn't finalised anything as of now. But, I have made a decision that I should start choosing my characters properly. My friends have been advising me to choose my roles carefully from now on."His ambitions extend beyond regional cinema: "I want to act in Malayalam, Tamil and all languages. I am open to doing all roles, be it a character role or a lead."'The Hunt' is streaming on SonyLIV.- Ends