Karnan Kanapathy, widely known as Karnan G Crak, is a prominent figure in the Malaysian Tamil cinema industry. With numerous projects under his belt, he has successfully carved out a niche for himself, consistently delivering outstanding performances in each of his roles. Karnan’s growth in the industry has been steady and remarkable, from the very beginning of his career until today. His journey began in 2006 with his passion for rap music, an interest that dates back to his school days. However, it was in 2009 that his career took a significant turn. That year, he was invited to be part of the crew for a short film titled ‘Vayasu’, directed by S. Balachandran, where he assisted in the filmmaking process.
During the shoot, two actors were unable to make it, and the director asked Karnan to step in for a scene. Though it was just one scene, Karnan’s performance left a lasting impression, revealing his natural talent for acting. He delivered the scene flawlessly in a single take, marking the debut of Karnan as an actor and introducing him to the world.
“No auditions, no acting courses, no prior experience. A sudden opportunity, yet he delivered it masterfully in a single take. The name is Karnan—a natural-born actor!”
The director was amazed by Karnan’s natural acting talent and remarked on his exceptional skill. This led to Karnan being cast in a short film titled ‘Kick Start’, where he played the lead role. The film was later submitted to the prestigious BMW Short Film Festival in 2010, a well-known platform for filmmakers in Malaysia.
When the director first narrated the story to me, I assumed I was being asked to assist with the filmmaking as a crew member. So, I asked him who would be playing the lead role. To my surprise, he told me that I was going to be the main lead.
Notably, the short film won three awards at the festival, with Karnan earning the title of ‘Best Actor’ for his debut lead performance. Winning such a prestigious award for his first leading role is a remarkable achievement, further proving Karnan’s exceptional talent as an actor. Following this success, he went on to act in several more short films, marking the beginning of his journey as an actor.
From Short Films to Blockbuster Hits
Among the short films Karnan acted in, one titled ‘Netru Aval Irunthaal’, directed by Viknesh, earned him another ‘Best Actor’ award. At the award ceremony, Karnan met director Shalini Balasundaram and her husband Shathish. Impressed by his talent, they approached him for a role in a theatrical film. This marked the beginning of ‘Geethaiyin Raadhai’.
At the same time, Karnan was also approached by director Devendran for the film ‘Ghora’. Receiving multiple offers for a debut theatrical film is a rare achievement for any actor, especially when many wait years for such an opportunity. Karnan’s ability to secure these roles so early in his career speaks to his exceptional talent and capability. He managed to work on both films simultaneously, although ‘Ghora’ experienced some delays in production.
‘Geethaiyin Raadhai’ was released in 2016, marking Karnan’s debut in a theatrical film, and the rest is history. The film became a blockbuster hit, with Karnan’s performance being praised for its realism. He even lost weight for his role, showcasing his dedication to the character. ‘Geethaiyin Raadhai’ remains one of the highest-grossing films in Malaysian Tamil cinema to this day. Karnan’s extraordinary and authentic acting won him a large fan base, solidifying his position as a prominent actor with his very first film.
During the production of ‘Ghora’, director Sun-J Perumal approached Karnan for a role in the film ‘Jagat’. Karnan accepted and delivered another strong performance. Sun-J had previously praised Karnan’s natural talent during the BMW Short Film Festival award ceremony. Remarkably, Karnan has never taken any formal acting classes or courses. He simply listens to the director’s instructions, captures the essence of the scene, and delivers an extraordinary performance, living each moment on screen.
Transforming Characters with Authenticity and Depth
Karnan consistently adds a unique touch to every character he portrays. In each of his films, he transforms himself so thoroughly that you rarely see the same Karnan. He adjusts his appearance, speech, and body language to distinctly bring each character to life.
“I always make sure to fully embody the character in every film. I don’t act like myself, Karnan; instead, I set aside my own traits to fully immerse in the role I take on. Once I commit to a character, I give everything needed to bring that role to life according to the story. From body language to personality, it’s all about what the character requires, not about reflecting myself.”
His dedication to fully embodying each character enhances audience engagement, drawing them into his journey through every film. When asked about his inspiration for acting, Karnan revealed that watching Kamal Haasan’s films and witnessing his ability to push boundaries and explore various genres in cinema has been a significant source of motivation for him.
‘Neer Mel Neruppu’ Triumphs on the International Stage
Karnan’s acting has consistently evolved with each film, showcasing his growing talent in every performance. His next theatrical film, ‘Neer Mel Neruppu’ (Fire on Water), directed by Sun-J Perumal, is creating a buzz on the international stage. The film has been selected and premiered at prestigious festivals such as the Rotterdam Film Festival, Osaka Film Festival, and Vietnam Film Festival. This achievement is a remarkable milestone and a proud moment for Malaysian Tamil cinema, further elevating its global reputation.
Karnan noted, “We Malaysians celebrate significantly when we collaborate with Kollywood, but when Malaysian films made by local talents receive accolades and recognition on prestigious international stages, it often doesn’t feel like a big achievement here. For example, Soori’s upcoming movie ‘Yezhu Kadal Yezhu Malai’ also premiered at the Rotterdam Film Festival and was celebrated extensively in Tamil Nadu. It became the talk of the town at every festival it entered. In contrast, ‘Neer Mel Neruppu’, which was the only Malaysian Tamil film featured in international festivals this year, didn’t receive much attention here in Malaysia. It was only shown on a few platforms. I don’t know the reason, but I believe Malaysian films are capable of much more. However, the support from the audience is essential for artists to keep pushing forward and delivering their best.”
A Malaysian Tamil film receiving acclaim and recognition at prestigious international film festivals is a significant achievement. It highlights the film’s quality and impact. Many international viewers praised the movie, and despite it being screened with subtitles, those who didn’t speak Tamil still appreciated and admired the film. This demonstrates that the story had the power to transcend language and cultural barriers, delivering its message effectively. The film was celebrated at each festival it was featured in, marking a proud moment for Malaysians and Malaysian Tamil cinema. This achievement has brought valuable recognition to the Malaysian Tamil film industry.
“There were audiences who cried after watching the movie,” said Karnan.
Asking Karnan how does he feel after witnessing his film gaining this much reception at international film festival, he said that he is very glad and thankful for it. This has motivated him to strive more and do even better in his upcoming projects. This reflects the profound love an artist has for their craft. It’s a powerful reminder of how deeply artists are connected to their work, finding joy and motivation in the recognition and impact their creations have.
From Contemplating Quitting to Becoming a Leading Star
A few years ago, I considered quitting acting and exploring other career options. However, during that period, my mother encouraged me to keep pursuing my acting career. She told me I was doing well and urged me to continue despite any challenges. Her support motivated me to persevere.
Karnan’s mother’s encouragement has been a significant source of motivation for him. Thanks to her support, we haven’t lost such a talented gem in the industry. Karnan has gained prominence by taking on a variety of roles and bringing each character to life through his performances. He has made his mother proud, honouring her belief and trust in him.
From Malaysian Cinema to Singapore Series
Karnan has not only made his mark in Malaysian cinema but has also appeared in the Singaporean series ‘Avathaaram’, directed by renowned filmmaker Suriavelan. With experience in both Singaporean and Malaysian projects, Karnan reflects on his work in Singapore. He notes that while Singapore does not have Tamil cinema, their series are world-class and feature many talented artists. The production process in Singapore allows for more time to ensure high-quality results. For instance, a telemovie typically takes around 21 days to complete, and every dollar of the budget is used wisely. As a result, the final product is a true reflection of the investment made.
In Malaysia, we have a diverse range of entertainment options, including music covers, series, telemovies, and theatrical films. To produce high-quality work that resonates with audiences, we must invest more time and effort into each project. The quality of the final product depends on the idea, effort, and time dedicated to it. It’s not about the quantity of content but the quality of each piece. By focusing on quality and allocating appropriate budgets, we can create even better projects and excel in the industry.
We are already making significant strides, and there’s potential for even greater success. A low budget should not be a barrier to a film’s success; many low-budget projects have performed well at the box office. What truly matters is the energy and commitment of the actors, regardless of the budget. Malaysian Tamil cinema has evolved considerably over the years, and with continued determination and teamwork, we can achieve even greater heights.
Art should come from the heart. As an entertainer, it is essential to captivate the audience. When a movie has a strong script and compelling performances, combined with effective marketing to ensure it reaches viewers, the story will naturally resonate with the audience and attract a crowd.
Stepping into Kollywood as a Singer
Karnan is not just an actor; he is a multifaceted artist with a remarkable talent for singing as well. He has collaborated with renowned figures like Suriavelan and Stephen Zechariah in Singapore, where they produced the hit song “Kannu Rendum.” This track became widely popular and resonated with many listeners. Additionally, Karnan recently lent his voice to the heartfelt song “Unnale Unnale” in his latest film, ‘Ninaivo Oru Paravai’. This song continues to be a favorite on many playlists, showcasing his versatility and skill as a singer.
Karnan has taken his talents to the next level by making his debut in Kollywood as a singer. He recently performed the song “Mandaikku Sooru Eruthey” in the film ‘Soodhu Kavvum 2’, alongside Stephen Zechariah. Karnan not only sang the track but also composed the music and wrote the lyrics himself. The film’s music director, Edwin Louis, who also worked on ‘Ninaivo Oru Paravai’, was impressed with Karnan’s voice. The makers of ‘Soodhu Kavvum 2’ felt that his contribution would be a perfect fit for the song. This achievement further cements Karnan’s status as a versatile and talented artist.
Rising Above Challenges and Embracing the Journey
In the cinema industry, challenges are an inevitable part of the journey. Karnan has encountered numerous obstacles and setbacks throughout his career. However, his passion for the art and unwavering confidence have propelled him forward despite these difficulties. Sustaining a career in this industry is never easy. Karnan endured periods without projects, and even when he received proposals, he carefully evaluated the story and his role before committing. For him, quality takes precedence over quantity. He ensures that each project upholds the value of art, treating every scene with importance. Karnan has turned each challenge into a stepping stone, using them to elevate himself to international recognition. This spirit and resilience have contributed to his success as a global star.
When asked what advice he would give to aspiring young individuals looking to build a career in the film industry, Karnan emphasizes the importance of having a backup plan and being prepared to face challenges, especially financial ones. He highlights that passion is crucial because while some may find success quickly, with their first project being a hit, others may struggle for years to find better opportunities and establish a stable career. Aspiring filmmakers should be ready to invest effort, seek out valuable opportunities, and remain patient despite the challenges. The eventual success and satisfaction after overcoming these hurdles will be well worth the effort.
Karnan’s Future Projects
Following ‘Ninaivo Oru Paravai’, Karnan’s latest theatrical release is ‘Abinaya’, which premiered in theaters a week ago. Directed by Devendran Arunasalam, known for ‘Ghora’, ‘Abinaya’ is a fun, romantic comedy. Click HERE to book your tickets and enjoy the film.
In addition, Karnan’s upcoming film ‘Neer Mel Neruppu’, directed by Sun-J Perumal, is set for release soon. The film has generated significant buzz in various countries. The trailer, which has recently been released, showcases a unique and intriguing storyline, hinting at a profound message about aspiring talent in the cinema industry. The title, ‘Neer Mel Neruppu’, meaning ‘Fire on Water’, presents a strikingly paradoxical concept, suggesting a narrative that defies expectations and piques curiosity.
Karnan is also working on another film with Sun-J Perumal, which has yet to be released. This sets the stage for a series of potential back-to-back blockbusters from him. Reflecting on his experiences with Neer Mel Neruppu and his ongoing collaboration with Sun-J, Karnan described the journey as an entirely unique experience.
I was astonished by Sun-J Perumal’s visionary approach to filmmaking. His unique perspective and style have a remarkable ability to reveal the extraordinary talents of an actor. Throughout this journey, I have learned a great deal and am deeply grateful for the opportunity. This experience has shown me that acting is much more profound than I previously understood, and there is still a vast amount to explore and discover in the realm of cinema.
Entrepreneurial Venture
In addition to his impressive career in acting and music, Karnan G Crak has diversified his professional pursuits by venturing into entrepreneurship. He recently established ‘Gongango Iced Coffee,’ a business dedicated to offering a range of refreshing iced coffee beverages. This venture is a long-held dream of Karnan’s, reflecting his desire to explore new avenues and embrace new challenges. By launching his own coffee shop, Karnan has not only tapped into a new market but also demonstrated his versatility and entrepreneurial spirit. This step marks a significant expansion of his career, blending his artistic talents with his business acumen to create a unique and personal enterprise.
Karnan G Crak’s journey from a passionate rapper to an internationally acclaimed actor and singer exemplifies dedication, versatility, and resilience. His remarkable performances, from short films to blockbuster hits, and his recent foray into Kollywood as a singer, underscore his exceptional talent and commitment to his craft. Despite facing numerous challenges, Karnan has consistently transformed each obstacle into an opportunity, demonstrating an unwavering passion for the arts. His success on global stages and his entrepreneurial spirit further highlight his drive to excel and innovate, establishing him as a prominent and influential figure in both Malaysian Tamil cinema and beyond.
All the information are provided by Karnan.
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