Aparna Balamurali: ‘Kishkindha Kandam’ gave me tremendous personal satisfaction

When we speak, on September 10, the day before National Award-winning actress Aparna Balamurali’s birthday, she admits she is a bit nervous and has a mild case of the heebie-jeebies. And it has nothing to do with his birthday or getting old. The reason for this is liberation Kishkindha KandamDirected by Dinjith Aythan, 12 September. A film, he said, gave him tremendous personal satisfaction.

Aparna reunited with Asif Ali after their last film, as the lead pair, together, B. Tech (2018). Which added an extra sparkle to the film, “It’s a film with Asifakka after a while. Apart from that people are talking about it and there is curiosity around. Of course I’m excited! There is an element of uncertainty… It’s hard to predict how audiences will react to a film. But this picture gave me personal satisfaction! said the actor over the phone. They were part of both cup And 2018But not mutually exclusive.

Asif Ali in the picture

About teaming up with Asif again, he said, “Honestly, it doesn’t seem that long. He is a family friend, and we have kept in touch over the years. There is a relief in working with him.”

Her character in the film is also named Aparna, a newlywed who comes to her husband Ajay’s (Asif Ali) house after marriage. She is a new bride trying to find her place in the family while trying to understand the family dynamics of Ajay and his father Appu Pillai. “Aparna is a curious woman, things are happening which are beyond her understanding as she is new to this place. Everything is new, and he is trying to adapt. Her character travels with the audience, the story unfolds as they do.”

Falling in love with the story

It was ‘love at first sight’ for Aparna after hearing the story of the film. “There are films that you feel you should be a part of…the size of the character doesn’t matter. Kishkindha Kandam There was one such. It has different layers – it brings out human relationships, the different shades and vulnerabilities that they bring.” Kishkindha Kandam Refers to the part of the Ramayana where Rama and Lakshmana reach the monkey kingdom in search of Sita, who has been abducted by Ravana. Complex themes like loyalty and kinship are involved here and in the film as well.

Kishkindha Kandam Photo credit: Special Arrangements

The film was shot at Olappamanna near Cherpulassery in Palakkad. Aparna talked about how the location, the forest canopy, enhanced the atmosphere of the film. “It helped the film and the characters. The atmosphere was set by location, we would all sit outside, under that tree and talk. We used to go to our caravan just to get change. In fact the location is the most important element of the film.

Sorrai with Suriya in Potru

There are no stereotypes

Aparna is one of the few female actors in Malayalam cinema who consistently bucks stereotypes. He admits that there is no strategy without one. “When I feel I am running that risk, I take a break and invariably I get one good film after another. Son of Surara There was one such! The 2020 Tamil film starring Suriya, directed by Sudha Kongara, even won her the National Award for Best Actress. At that time he was on hiatus for a year, he came out of it Son of Surara.

These breaks are a form of self-care for him. He hasn’t shot a film since February this year, he was able to take care of his health and his well-being during it.

However, being part of an industry where looks matter, doesn’t ‘taking a break’ scare him? “Not really, often, like this year, there will be releases that don’t make my absence obvious.” This is his third release this year after a Tamil film Ryan and OTT series Manorthangal.

“A break can be a roller coaster, however, look what comes out of it? It pays off it’s worth,” he points out Son of Surara.

This brings us to directing Dhanush Ryan. She was impressive as rural Meghla. The role came her way, she says, differently Son of Surara For which he auditioned. “I got a call from the film’s executive producer who asked if I wanted to be a part of it Ryan. I wanted to be a part of it!” A plus was that she was allowed to be, her weight gain never once a topic of discussion, which made her feel comfortable.

Her weight gain was a topic of discussion, often the first thing she was asked. on Ryan’s Set, “No one came up with it, not even the costume stylist. That helped me focus on the character.” Even during the promotion of the film, it often comes up especially since she has lost weight. “I’m used to body shaming coming my way. The internet and social media is a judgmental place. Earlier I used to read every comment on my post, but now I don’t bother.”

About his plans, he said, he is committed to a film. “It’s too early to say anything about it.”

Kishkindha Kandam is playing in the theater.