As I delve deeper into the captivating world of Malayalam cinema, I find myself in awe of its richness and complexity. The assistant director who guided me through my lines was more than just a helper; they were a mentor, a beacon of wisdom that helped me navigate the intricate labyrinth of filmmaking. On set, the crew was not just a group of professionals, but a family that made me feel at home and allowed me to focus on my craft.
Ajayante Randam Moshanam (ARM) is an upcoming Malayalam movie slated to hit theaters on September 12th. This film, helmed by director Jithin Lal, boasts a star-studded cast spearheaded by Tovino Thomas and Krithi Shetty. The story unfolds across three pivotal timeframes – 1900, 1950, and 1990, exploring the lives of three generations of heroes.
In a special conversation with TopMob, actress Krithi Shetty opened up about her time working on the movie ARM, sharing insights into the hurdles she faced and the intricacies of her character. She touched upon the film’s unconventional storyline, praised the crew’s commitment and perseverance, and even looked back at her career in the industry so far – learning from triumphs and setbacks alike, and expressing hopes for future acting opportunities.
Q. What attracted you to the ARM script? What was your initial reaction when you heard the story?
1. As an avid admirer, let me tell you, this tale is something extraordinary! It’s reminiscent of the captivating stories from mythology and history that I grew up listening to. The movie weaves three distinct timelines, creating a sense of connection that’s simply magical. There’s an undeniable mythological and vintage charm about it that pulls you right in, leaving you spellbound. Hearing about it sent me rushing into a zone of anticipation and excitement!
Could you please share a brief account of the character you portrayed in the movie, and explain how this role differs from those you’ve taken on previously?
1. In my opinion, this character seems to embody an authentic Malayalam village girl in a vintage atmosphere, and the portrayal is quite genuine and unrefined. The role demanded a unique approach from me, as they wanted a raw and real performance with subtle expressions. This deviates slightly from my previous roles, but it was captivating to explore. I believe I received excellent guidance to bring such authenticity to life on screen.
What can you say about your collaboration with Tovino Thomas on the ARM project, focusing on your perspective having worked with him for his 50th film?
1. He is incredibly modest, down-to-earth, and incredibly helpful. I was quite anxious about mastering Malayalam as I was struggling with my lines and aiming for complete confidence in them. I wondered how my fellow actors would react since it’s their language. Would they be able to tolerate my dialects, my slang? But he reassured me, saying that the dialect was new even to him. He went out of his way to make me feel at ease, and I returned the favor.
Upon my arrival, they played a video featuring Tovino’s acting, and it was truly exceptional. What made it even more surprising was learning that this scene was from the very movie we were about to work on. The transformation in his appearance left me astonished, as I had never seen him like this before. Moreover, I was aware of the immense effort he had put into each of the three timelines portrayed in this film, which was nothing short of incredible.
In addition, I discovered that the workdays in the Malayalam film industry are significantly longer than typical jobs. This was quite a change for me. By the fourth day, I found myself unable to move my eyebrows due to exhaustion from lack of sleep. People around me started asking about my well-being, and I was so engrossed in the work that I failed to notice how tired I was. However, Tovino had been working under similar conditions for months, and his energy and dedication as an actor left me truly amazed.
In every encounter we had, I’ve never found him in a sluggish state or expressing discontent. On the contrary, he always exuded sweetness. Despite limited opportunities to unwind in the caravan or engage in leisure activities, he consistently maintained an energetic demeanor, even at unusual hours like 3 AM. His secret, as he once shared with me, was black coffee and energy-boosting nuts; however, I believe his true source of vitality stemmed from his unwavering dedication.
A. Could you share some insights on your character within the movie ARM, and explain how it connects with the intricate storyline that jumps across various time periods and family lines? This isn’t just any typical screenplay.
1. Everyone should be able to grasp that after viewing the movie. Furthermore, Tovino’s characters in ARM are distinct and situated across different time periods, making it intriguing. Additionally, the intertwining of Ajayan and Lekshmi’s narrative promises an engaging twist for viewers.
Would you care to tell us about any standout experiences or difficulties encountered while making the movie ARM, that you’d be happy to discuss?
A. For me, the most challenging part was learning the Malayalam language. I worked on it for some time. I tried to watch a lot of Malayalam films to get a gist of it, but I really couldn’t. However, I am thankful to the assistant director who helped me with my lines. Every single day, I rehearsed a lot, and then when I landed on set, it was the crew who made me so comfortable. After the first day, I was never conscious about my lines, which gave me so much space to focus on my performance.
A: It seems our belief comes directly from the source itself. There are rumors circulating about a role with Chiranjeevi as the main actor, which you allegedly declined an opportunity for.
A. I believe these are just rumors.
A: As a die-hard cinema enthusiast, let me tell you who’ve been my greatest influencers in Hollywood. There are these visionary filmmakers whose work has not only captivated my heart but also shaped the trajectory of my own journey. From their innovative storytelling to their unwavering dedication to cinematic excellence, they’ve left an indelible mark on me and the industry at large. Their unique styles and groundbreaking techniques have served as a guiding light in my pursuit of greatness, inspiring me to push boundaries and strive for the extraordinary.
1. Working on this movie is incredibly inspiring all around. As an actor, I consider myself fortunate because I have access to a vanity van and can rest after each shot. However, in terms of the effort that goes into filmmaking, everyone involved – from technicians to lighting crews – has been truly inspiring.
The continuous shooting spanned approximately 36 to 38 hours, which is no small feat for a single individual, but rather a combined effort of many. I feel fortunate as I return home after my day’s work, but the crew and technicians had to arrive much earlier and leave long after us. It raises questions about their personal lives; when do they find time to rest or spend with family? Their dedication is truly inspiring, and witnessing such hard work only adds to the awe.
1. Question 1: Can you explain how you handle triumphs and setbacks, and also discuss the growth you’ve experienced as an actor since your first movie up until now?
1. Upon returning and deciding to pursue acting following my debut film, I became deeply captivated by cinema and performance overall, yearning to validate the affection bestowed upon me. Thus, I dedicated myself to self-improvement, honing my skills, learning various aspects, and critically evaluating myself to ensure I could live up to the love shown to me.
Ever since then, my journey as an actor has been one of continuous growth and transformation. Through a blend of triumphs and setbacks, I’ve molded myself into the individual I am today. I find no room for regrets in this process, for each experience, whether joyous or challenging, fortifies me further. Success fuels my passion, but it’s failure that imparts wisdom, a lesson I hold dear. The humility and beauty of navigating these phases has afforded me valuable insights about life in such a short span.
As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but wonder about your future endeavors after the success of ARM. Are there any intriguing roles or movies on the horizon that have caught your eye? Personally, I’d be thrilled if you delve into unique genres or themes that showcase your versatility as an actor.
1. For quite some time now, my dream has been to portray a character that combines both princessly elegance and warrior strength – a versatile role, if you will. Yet, I’m open to any opportunity that comes my way. I aspire to collaborate with various directors, contributing to their unique visions and playing captivating characters. In essence, I aim to be a multifaceted actor. I believe that the right roles, providing room for learning, growth, and self-expression, will allow me to achieve this goal. Here’s hoping for the best!
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2024-08-23 13:08