It is a dream run for Davinci Santhosh who won the award for the best child actor (male) at the 53rd Kerala State Film Awards announced in July, earlier this year. Davinci clinched the award for his memorable performance as ‘Kannan’ in the Jithin Raj directorial ‘Pallotty 90’s Kids’. Based on a popular short film, the movie is a heartwarming tale of friendship between two boys, named Unni and Kannan. The movie which is set to release in theatres in September, has an ensemble cast including Master Davinci Santhosh, master Neeraj Krishna, Arjun Ashokan, Niranjana Anoop, Saiju Kurup, Balu Varghese, Sudhi Koppa, Dinesh Prabhakar, Ajisha Prabhakaran, Abu Valayamkulam and Maria Prince. The movie is produced by actor-director Sajid Yahiya and Nithin Radhakrishnan under the banner of Cinema Pranthan Productions. The delightful nostalgic drama is presented by the maverick filmmaker Lijo Jose Pellissery.
‘Pallotty 90’s kids’ was also adjudged as the best children’s film at the Kerala State Film Awards 2022. Kapil Kapilan won the best male singer award for the beautiful song ‘Kanave’ from the movie as well. ‘Pallotty 90’s kids’ has been in the news for all good reasons over the last one year and is described as one of the best children’s films in recent times.
In an interview given to Mathrubhumi Online, Davinci Santhosh, who is basking in the glory of his state award, talks about his love for movies, football, and shares his plans for this Onam.
Excerpts from the interview
You have won the coveted Kerala state film award for acting at such a young age? How do you feel now? What are your plans ahead Davinci?
I feel extremely happy for the recognition I have received for my performance in ‘Pallotty 90’s Kids’. The movie is so close to my heart. Cinema is part of my life. I want to learn more about acting and films. Growing up, I would like to join the National School of Drama or FTII Pune.
What are your plans for this Onam?
My plans, first of all I would like to convey my Onam wishes to everyone at Mathrubhumi and its readers.
I am excited about the Onam releases. There are a slew of movies gearing up for release and I wish to watch all of them in theatres.
Onam is all about joy, friendship and laughter. It’s a season of happiness and this year it's even more special for me.
You are an ardent fan of football?
Ofcourse, playing football is something that I love as much as acting in movies. I hit the ground almost every evening right after school. Messi is my favourite footballer. I absolutely love to watch him play, the man is an absolute magician on the field.
I am a left-winger and I love the game of football. 2022 is so far the best year of my life. I won the award for ‘Pallotty’ and my hero Lionel Messi kissed the World Cup in the same year. What more could I ask for?
Tell us more about ‘Pallotty 90’s Kids’?
I thoroughly enjoyed acting in the movie. It is based on the short film ‘Pallotty’ also directed by Jithin Raj. I had played the same character in the short film as well.
All the people behind this film, including Jithin Raj, Sajid Yahiya, Lijo Jose Pellissery, actors Saiju Kurup and Sudhi Koppa, all of them were very supportive; it was a great learning experience working with the entire crew.
I would like to make a special mention of my co-star and buddy master Neeraj Krishna. He is a wonderful actor and has been a pillar of support in the entire journey.
After the big win at the state awards, Jithin Raj, Sajid Yahiya, and I visited Lijo Jose Pellissery. We had even cut a cake. All those were great memories.
Tell us about the experience of sharing screen space with your own grandmother in the movie?
My real life grandmother Thanka has played the character of my granny in ‘Pallotty 90’s Kids’. It was her first movie, but she behaved like a thorough professional, it was natural acting at its best. I was stunned.
A lot of people have appreciated my grandmother’s performance in the movie. It feels surreal. I might be one of those rare actors in the world to have ever had the opportunity to share screen space with one’s own grandparent. Life is incredible.
Tell us about your school, villagers, and your daily life?
My mother, Dhanya, I love her a lot. I study in class 9 at GHSS Karupadanna. Teachers, friends and other staff in my school are extremely supportive. I love learning English. I have already received multiple felicitations from my school and locality ever since I won the state award. My school principal Usha always encourages me to follow my dreams.
I made my entry into acting through the ‘Venal Thumbi Kalajatha’ of ‘Balasangham’. I have also acted in several plays. My father’s brother, professional theatre actor Satheesh K Kunnath is my mentor. He had won the award for the second best actor at the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Awards in 2012.
Which are your upcoming projects?
I have quite a few interesting projects lined up. I recently finished shooting my portions for the Jayasurya starrer big budget movie ‘Kathanar: The Wild Sorcerer’. I have also done a small role in ‘Jaladhara Pumpset Since 1962’, which is running in theatres right now.
The little superstar of Malayalam cinema is a hardcore fan of actors Fahad Fazil and Vinayakan. “Fahad Fazil’s eyes are very expressive,” says Davinci who was spellbound by Vinayakan’s portrayal of ‘Varman’ in Rajinikanth’s blockbuster movie ‘Jailer’.
Interestingly, Davinci has so far acted in three movies along with Vinayakan. This includes, ‘Thottappan’, ‘Pada’, and ‘Panthrandu’.
Towards the end of the interview, Davinci thanked everyone for their kind words of appreciation following his triumph at the film awards. Before signing off he once again wished everyone ‘a pwoli Onam!’
Rise of a Star
Davinci made his debut in Malayalam cinema in the 2018 release ‘French Viplavam’, which was directed by KB Maju. He has acted in over 20 films till date.
Davinci is loved by moviegoers across Kerala. He is one of the most promising talents in Malayalam cinema right now. Through his acting finesse, the boy has earned a separate fan base for himself. Noted personalities from inside and outside the film industry have spoken highly of him on a number of occasions.
Davinci shares a special bond with young actor Lukman Avaran who has also carved a niche for himself in Malayalam cinema. The duo shares a long-standing friendship between them.
Davinci’s delightful tales continue.
The curly haired boy from Vellangallur who is in pursuit of his celluloid dreams will serve as an inspiration for many more like him.
Published: 20 Aug 2023, 12:18 pm IST
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