This attitude has helped him make decisions, choose scripts, and stick by them no matter what. “Initially, whenever I would hear a narration, if I found it good or fun and if I could relate to the character, I would select the script. It was sort of an easy-going approach. But, after a while, I realised that you needed to select good scripts in order to perform. I realised this when I listened to the narration of Rangoon (2017, directed by Rajkumar); there is a lot more to a script than just the feel-good effect. My script selection has evolved over time. Of course, there have been a few misses, but there have been good ones as well.”
As an actor, Gautham loves to look for takeaways from his characters. Paraman from August 16 1947 encouraged him to be more confident. But when it comes to Pathu Thala, it was Silambarasan TR who taught him many things, he recalls. “As a human being, STR is immensely genuine. If he likes you, he goes out of his way to help you. He is also very open about what he feels. Beyond that, as an actor, he is an institute himself. There is so much you can learn from him. For instance, whenever he performs, he has the editing of the scene in his mind. He knows how to cut between the shots. It was inspiring to watch a performer like him in action.”