New Delhi: In conversation with Rima Kallingal, a rising young star in Malayalam films.
It is true that a lot of heroines from Malayalam cinema are trying their luck in Tamil cinema, but I don't look at it as a migration. For me, it is just about doing a good role. When Yuvan Yuvathi (co-starring Bharat) was offered to me, I was excited about the prospect of doing a different role in a different language. Though it has been widely appreciated, I have not gone on a signing spree in Tamil cinema.
Relatively speaking, two factors work in favour of Tamil cinema for those coming from Malayalam. One is better remuneration and secondly, a wider reach. Apart from that, I don’t think there is much of a difference between the two industries. We are equally passionate about cinema and would like to bring out a quality product. Anyway, I think art is the same everywhere. I have often been asked about the hierarchical working atmosphere in Tamil cinema, as opposed to Malayalam. But I think that exists everywhere, so why single out Kollywood?
The reason why Malayalam actress are open to glamourous roles in Tamil is because movie fans in Kerala prefer family-oriented subjects. I am not sure a blatant display of skin by any Malayalam heroine will go down well with the conservative audience. They would rather watch a Hindi or Tamil film for glamour. Personally, I am not against becoming glamorous, as I love to dress up, but again there is a definite Lakshman rekha when it comes to exposing. For me, what matters is the comfort. In fact in real life, I love experimenting with clothes and definitely like to look glamorous.
When it comes to signing a film, my priorities do not vary according to the industry. I look at the script and banner and, most importantly, a director with whom I can connect with. Personally, the length of my role is of no consequence as long as it plays an important part in the film. I don’t look at cinema as a money-making business; for me it is all about connecting with the audience.
I am proud of having played a major part in all my films, be it my debut movie Rithu, with Shyama Prasad, Neelathamara (scripted by Jnanpith Award winner M T Vasudevan Nair, and directed by Lal Jose) or even Happy Husbands, a comic entertainer. I want to be part of such meaningful and entertaining films, as I think an actor's job is to entertain. After the great response of Ranjith's Indian Rupee, I am looking forward to my other films like Unnam, Orku....
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