Dubai–based actors put up their best act
AFTER A WHIRLWIND OF promotional activities in locations across Kerala and Dubai since July, the six lead actors of Kinavalli are finally settling down to catch their breath.
Sujith Raj Kochukonju, a former marketing professional, plays the role of Gopan in in the movie. Of the lot, Sujith is one of the most versatile talents to enter Malayalam cinema in recent times. He is a dancer, a multi-instrumentalist, and a singer who dreamed of becoming an actor at age six. He rendered vocals for the movie’s title track Raveguru. He plays the role of a Dubai -based engineer in the movie.
Providing comic relief to the movie, Sujith was recognised after his slapstick comedy, and Vine videos went viral.
“This project is a dream come true. I was elated on the first day of the shoot. Honestly, only once you have begun acting you realise how challenging it is. It is like buying an IKEA cupboard. It looks straightforward, but building it from scratch is mind-boggling,” said Sujith.
“I would like if people remember us for being actors with great potential. We have worked very hard for the movie, and the response has been wonderful,” he added.
Ajmal Zayn plays the character of Vivek in the flm.
“Kinavalli is a turning point and debut for 26 people who worked on the set. For the six actors, including the other 20 technicians and me, it is a dream come true,” said Ajmal.
A cinephile, Ajmal entered the industry thinking he knows a lot about it.
“My first film taught me many things I did not know. Now I feel confident. I also believe every movie is a learning opportunity.”
Meanwhile, the female leads Surabhi Santosh and Sowmya Menon said it was unnerving to act with a mostly male cast, but the rest of the cast and crew kept the team very comfortable.
Santosh said, “For me, success is essential but secondary. I want our audiences to have a good time. During the process of the shoot, we became good friends and the men were very respectful of our space.”
Working in a horror movie was a huge challenge for Sowmya.
For Krish Menon, the actor who played the role of Ajith, Kinavalli is his first Malayalam movie and second acting experience.
“My first time in front of the camera was in Yennai Arindhaal (Tamil in 2015), directed by the legendary Gautham Menon. This movie has been a dream come true, and the crew were very supportive. When I started, I used to be very scared of re-takes. Now, not as much.”
Vijay Johnny, who plays the character Sudheesh, is the second comic relief in Kinavalli. He said, “I am ecstatic about landing my first lead role in such a big project. The filmmaking process from start to this very moment has been a huge learning experience.”
Playing the horror role was particularly challenging for Johnny. “I had to work extra hard in the scenes building up to the climax. It was physically and emotionally exhausting,” he said.