K K Menon is a name to reckon with, the prolific actor has earned laurels for his versatility in roles, style quotient and unmatchable acting talent. His superb sensibility for Indian cinema comes from the years he has spent both in films and theatre. After venturing into ultra-serious roles in films, K K steps into comedy with Sankat City. The film also stars Rimi Sen, Anupam Kher, Chunky Pandey and Rahul Dev.

K K Menon in a candid interview talks at length about the current scene of Indian Cinema and his experience about venturing into comedy.

Are you satisfied with the audience response?
Well, so far as per our expectations, the film has been loved by the people who took an initiative to watch it. Thus, their initiative led them to discover an intelligent comedy. So, I request my audience to go and witness an out-of-the-box concept driven film.

Today the success of a film largely depends on the promotion. But Sankat City has not been promoted the way it should have been, do you think it's going to reflect on the overall performance of the film?
Well, the producers are supposed to answer that question. But I would like to mention that, it's the audience which is to be blamed here. Good subjects with low-budget become the prey of audiences' ignorant attitude. Why?

Despite getting fooled by the same filmmakers who spend lavishly on promotion of the films with senseless subjects, audiences continue to watch such films. If you go to see the fate of subject-driven films under low-budget conditions, they have just been critically-appreciated.

Because, business comes with masses watching the film; which is very negligible for low-budget ventures. Excluding a few exceptional hits like Bheja Fry, low-budget films generally don't get good box-office results.

I personally feel it is the audience, which does not give low-budget filmmakers the confidence to make another film where the producer can think of increasing the budget.

Theatre has always catered to niche audience; do you think big screen is where recognition comes easily for talent? How has life been after films?
As far as I am concerned, I feel that after giving 15 years to Indian Cinema I better be recognized now (laughs). Well, on a more serious note, I have outgrown the concept of recognition or fame, etc.

I believe after a certain stage in your life, one becomes selfless and starts thinking with a broader perspective. Indian cinema has a long way to go. Being a part of it, I feel very disappointed to see the way our cinema is heading.

I feel pity at the very thought that Indian films have become a source to mint-money. Definitely, business is an important aspect but the notion of nurturing good subjects has disappeared somewhere, which hurts my creative sensibilities.

You have continued with theatre simultaneously, how do strike a balance?
Honestly, my performances have reduced gradually as I have been busy with film schedules. However, I will surely get back to theatre in the next couple of years.

Coming back to Sankat City, what does the title suggest about the film? Tell us about any real life sankat that hovered on you?
Sankat City as the title goes is a city where people face the Sankat (troubles) coming their way and move on. As far as sankat in real life are concerned, I am completely fearless. I feel that I am too strong and mature to handle them by now.

Tell us about your on and off screen chemistry with Rimi Sen?
Rimi is a very spontaneous actor. Although we play the protagonists in the film, still Rimi does not play my love interest. We share a very strange kind of relationship where I play a car thief and Rimi a con-woman.