Two Years Off Screen, A Lifetime of Lessons

In an exclusive interview with Gulte Pro, Hero Santosh Soban speaks with rare honesty about the two year gap that quietly reshaped his career and mindset. After a packed 2023 with multiple releases, Santosh stepped away from the spotlight. It was not a strategic pause but a necessary one. He admits he had lost the excitement and wide eyed curiosity he once carried into cinema. The break became a period of reflection, not retreat.

One of the most striking moments in the conversation is his candid admission about the failure of movie Like, Share and Subscribe. Santosh reveals how deeply the film’s result affected him. The team believed they were creating something bold and fresh, but the result forced him to confront his own decision making. He realized he had started chasing outcomes instead of focusing on the creative process. He also opens up about dealing with imposter syndrome and constantly feeling that others knew better.

What followed was a rediscovery phase. Watching films like F1, Varshangalkku Shesham, and Pre Wedding Show reignited his passion. He says he fell back in love with cinema, this time with maturity. He now understands that while films are important, health, family, and self growth matter just as much.

His upcoming film Couple Friendly reflects this shift. Santosh worked closely with director Ashwin, even contributing to the adaptation process to retain emotional honesty. He focused on authenticity, avoiding repetitive expressions and performing with restraint. His ambition has evolved too. Instead of chasing box office numbers, he wants to create characters that stay with audiences for decades.

With a clean slate and renewed clarity, Santosh Soban seems ready for a more meaningful second phase.