June will inspire producers to make cinema from a woman’s perspective: Rajisha Vijayan

Basking in the success of a spate of hits, including the 2017 film Anuraga Karikkin Vellam, for which she won the Kerala State Film Awards, Rajisha Vijayan has no plans of slowing down. The lead star of June said there is immense potential among Malayalam actresses, and it is essential to make and promote movies that have a strong female point of view. Being the central character of the movie, Rajisha shoulders the film on her shoulders. However, she called June a ‘director’s movie.’ “It was scary to have such a responsibility. Also, it is a rare opportunity for an actress to close such roles. When it becomes a commercial success, it feels amazing… It is only witness to the fact that there is great scope for movies with this theme,” she said.

“Also, I was going with the way he (Ahmed Khabeer) was leading me,” said Rajisha. The actor believes June is not a ‘female-centric’ movie. “The narration is done from a female point of view. It’s not just about June; it’s about a lot of people who are continuously present in her life.” According to Rajisha, cinema with a woman’s perspective is essential in Malayalam as they are always a hit regardless of who stars in it.

“It is important to promote a film like this. Changes do keep on happening in the industry, and recently, we have had solid female leads. The industry has been creating great characters as we have such amazingly talented actresses who are craving to do strong roles. It’s already happening. We can smell the change,” she said.

The actress had to undergo a few physical changes to fit into her role. “There was a lot of workout and diet. I was working out for four hours every day, and I was on a rigorous diet. It was horrible. I had to chop off my hair, and for the school phase of June’s life, she wore braces,” laughed Rajisha.

Being in the movie reminded the young actor of her time in school. “I felt very nostalgic, and it reminded me of my school days, especially the assembly shoots. I had the best time of my life in school.” Rajisha added, “June is named June for many reasons. The movie is about love, rain, and family. It will surely resonate with people. The feeling you get as you meet your friends after a long time. It would make you go back, and think about your friends.”

The movie will strike a chord with Malayalees who have settled down in this country for work. “It’s a family entertainer, and such movies are not made all the time. We have not seen many movies from a girl’s perspective. I am hoping another producer will have the strength to make a film like this,” she said.