‘Outstanding... how many people have the courage to do that?’: R Ashwin heaps praise on Basil Joseph
Ravichandran Ashwin, as we all know, is an enigmatic personality, both on and off the field. Among the many roles he juggles is hosting his popular YouTube show Kutti Stories with Ash, where he engages in fun, insightful conversations with guests. From discussions about cricket to broader reflections on life, Ashwin’s chats often lead to laughter, interesting anecdotes, and thoughtful moments.
The latest guest to join Ashwin on Kutti Stories was none other than swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, and their interaction turned out to be genuine entertainment.
What caught the attention of both cricket fans and cinephiles was Ashwin lavishing praise on Malayalam actor-director Basil Joseph during his conversation with the Kerala-born cricketer.
As the conversation drifted towards cinema—unsurprising, since both Ashwin and Sanju are avid film lovers—while Sanju, an ardent Rajini fan, mentioned his close friendship with Basil Joseph and Tovino Thomas, Ashwin, in turn, revealed his adulation for Mohanlal.
During this exchange, Ashwin praised Basil’s performance in the film Sookshmadarshini, directed by M.C. Jithin. He said, “What a film! How many people have the courage to do that role… Outstanding,” and asked Sanju to pass on his appreciation to Basil.
Released last year, Sookshmadarshini also featured actors Deepak Parambol, Nazriya Nazim, and Akhila Bhargavan. Treading the widely loved thriller genre, the film ended its theatrical run as a superhit and continues to gain traction on OTT platforms. Ashwin’s recent praise adds to the growing appreciation for the film.
Meanwhile, in a moment of deep reflection, Basil Joseph shared his thoughts in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, shedding light on his dual journey as an actor and director.
“Maybe, the frustration I feel today has come from the exhaustion of having acted in too many movies in too short a span. I want to get back to directing as soon as I can. If it takes any longer, I’ll forget to introduce myself as a filmmaker,” Basil told THRI.
He revealed that he has consciously slowed down, choosing not to sign any new roles since October. According to him, directing an ambitious film—one that requires a major star, significant funding, and intense preparation—demands his full attention. Unlike acting, which leaves him dependent on others, direction gives him complete creative control, something he deeply misses.
For Basil, directing isn’t just a profession; it’s a transformative experience—a sentiment he reflected on while recounting his journey.
As Basil continues to pursue his creative ambitions, his close friend actor Tovino Thomas also has several exciting projects lined up. The entire episode featuring Ashwin and Sanju Samson turned out to be more than just cricket talk—it offered a refreshing glimpse into the world beyond cricket, blending cinema, personal journeys, and passion.