- December 18, 2024
Jyothirmayi Lauds Fahadh Faasil, Says His Acting In Bougainvillea Was His ‘Friendly Gesture’ | Exclusive – News18
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Bougainvillea, starring Kunchako Boban and Fahadh Faasil, marked Jyothirmayi’s return to the silver screen. The accomplished actress spoke to CNN-News18 as the film made its OTT premier on SonyLiv.
Jyothirmayi also talks about her return to the big screen.
Jyothirmayi has been missing from action since 2013, after her performance in Sthalam (2013). It took her about a decade to return to the silver screen with the film Bougainvillea, directed by her husband Amal Neerad. When the film was announced, it created all the right noise as it featured acting powerhouses, Kunchako Boban and Fahadh Faasil.
On top of that, Jyothirmayi’s ultra-modern look with salt and pepper hairstyle instantly made the project something to look forward to. Upon its theatrical release, the film met with some mixed response, but Jyothirmayi was lauded for her performance as Reethu/Esther, an amnesia patient who lives in an illusion created by her and a serial killer. Bougainvillea is currently streaming on SonyLiv, and CNN-News18 got in touch with Jyothirmayi to probe about her return to donning the grease paint.
Here are excerpts from the interview:
It’s been eleven years since your last film. Any particular reason you chose Bougainvillea as your comeback film?
The story and my character captured my heart. Also, the team is one of the finest and most dependable in the Malayalam film industry. The actors, Fahadh Faasil and Kunchako Boban, both eminent and versatile actors, and Srindha, Veena, and Sharaf U Deen all were great in their ways. Their presence helped me choose this film. When Amal told me the story and when I was reluctant to choose the film, he said I was the only choice for the role, and if I didn’t do it, he would drop the project. That put me in a situation where I had to agree to the role. I am thankful to Amal, who swayed and pushed me to do this character.
How taxing was it to play Esther as she goes through immense turmoil? Did it affect you personally?
Yes, very much. It was emotionally draining for both of us. Amal and I were going through a low phase. Amal had lost his dad just when we started the film. My mother was in her last stages. They were very close to us and were part of our daily life. So, it was difficult for both of us. On top of that, the movie itself had a dark tone, and it affected it to an extent. But luckily, we got out of it. When the movie got a good reception, we were relieved to know that our trauma helped us make a movie that was appreciated by people.
One of the criticisms against the movie was that Fahadh Fassil was underutilized… Was that discussed during the making?
Fahadh is a proven actor. We have seen him grow from his film to the star he is now. I am very proud of him. Everyone knows his calibre. He does such daring roles and is not afraid of any such image traps. Fahadh and Nazriya, are very close to us. It was a friendly gesture when Fahadh did this role for us. He was trying to help us. When an actor like Fahadh plays a role in a film, the impact it creates for the project is great.
Bougainvillea’s subtext is about gaslighting and manipulation of women. Have you gone through such an experience?
The film does deal with the concept of gaslighting and manipulation. It has many layers about it. However, I personally haven’t been in such a situation. Thus, I am not able to comment on it.
When will you be back in Tamil cinema, where you have been seen in many memorable roles?
I am glad to know that you would like to see me in Tamil cinema, but sadly, I haven’t decided on any films right now. If something exciting comes my way, I would like to be part of it.
