Interview: 'Phalana Abbayi Phalana Ammayi' represents the artist in Malavika Nair

Hyderabad: Actress Malavika Nair is an actor who picks her scripts very carefully. She is pretty much against playing roles that are part of a movie just for name’s sake. Malavika is known for playing the girl next door roles and winning hearts with her subtle performances. The actress is back on screen with Phalana Abbayi Phalana Ammayi (PAPA).

Here are some details she had to share with us.

Can you share about your Phalana Abbayi Phalana Ammayi journey?

I watched the trailer of the film many times as I felt it is a representation of who I am as an artist. I feel that I gave my best to date to the Anupama character in this film and the rest is left to the crew. More than as an actor, I was looking at the film from the director’s perspective. It’s my pleasure to work with a director like Srinivas Avasarala, who learnt the ropes of filmmaking in the USA and came back to India to work in Telugu cinema. He loves the language and has a strong command over it. Working with him made me improve my Telugu speaking skills as well.

Does the love story in the film has a specific time frame?

The age range falls between 18 to 28 years. If we take any love story, the relationship develops over a period of two to three years. Naga Shaurya, my co-star, put in a lot of effort to transform his appearance for his role as a college student and then as a student pursuing Masters. We made sure to have a distinct theme for every chapter in the film. We also showcased happy moments. Even I believe that I did well in my role.

To which character do you relate in the film?

In the film, I don't really relate to my character, Anupama. Instead, I find myself identifying more with Sanjay’s character portrayed by Naga Shaurya. Anupama is depicted as being reserved, whereas, in real life, I enjoy people’s company. However, if someone hurts me, I tend to distance myself from them. Although love story scenes may seem repetitive, the reasons for our conflicts often appear to be universal.

Naga Shaurya thinks PAPA can’t be remade. What are your thoughts?

During filming, only a select few were aware of what was truly being created on set. Typically, the DOP, the actors, and the director have a firm grasp on their roles and the production process. Conversely, the other crew members are responsible for disposing of equipment and completing routine tasks. However, Naga Shaurya may have experienced a sense of wonder during filmmaking which could have been the reason for his statement.

What were your reactions to the intimate scenes in the film?

If you watch the trailer, it is just that. That’s how tastefully they have done it. As a woman, I didn’t feel uncomfortable, I didn’t feel objectified, to show in a specific manner, or tantalise anybody. I felt it’s a natural part of it and there is so much story apart from that.

What is it like to travel with the character these many years?

During the shooting in the UK, I struggled a lot to let go of my emotions soon after the shooting. Srinivas helped me to overcome the situations at that time.

You bagged good hits in Telugu cinema, but audiences think you didn’t get the stardom you deserve. What do you say?

I don’t think anything about it. I can’t control people’s thoughts. I will think about it. And there are parts where I could have improved which I think I am improving now.