With two releases on the same day, you would expect Lakshmi Menon to be nervous, but the school-going Malayalam actress is actually excited and looking forward to this Friday.
Menon’s Tamil film Jigarthanda and Malayalam film Avatharam are both releasing on August 1 in India.
Avatharam is Menon’s third Malayalam film. “I am doing a Malayalam film after a long time, so it is special,” said Menon who entered films with Raghuvinte Swantham Raziya in Malayalam in 2011 and then made it big in Tamil cinema with Sundarapandiyan and Kumki.
Jigarthanda is no less special as she is performing opposite her favourite actor, Siddharth. In fact, she had initially declined Jigarthanda due to her studies.
“When Karthik [director Subbaraj] narrated the story, I had to say no initially as I wanted to concentrate on my studies [Menon is in Class 12 with commerce as a subject],” she recalled.
But on hearing that Siddharth was the lead actor, she changed her mind. “I did not want to miss the film.”
Menon plays a village belle, Kayal.
Improvisations
“Siddharth is focused and a complete professional. He guided me on improvising my scenes and never hesitated to appreciate me if my performance was good.”
Director Subbaraj’s freedom on the sets enabled Menon to live the character of Kayal.
Avatharam, however, was a different cup of tea altogether. Prior to shooting, she had been warned of director Joshiy being a terror on the sets. “I was told that he was strict and would expect several retakes and even scolded his actors,” remembered Menon who plays Manimeghala.
“But I was surprised to interact with a different person. Every day was a lesson in learning to act better. Joshy sir believes in spontaneity and not the usual reactions.”
As Manimeghala, Menon romances Kerala’s star Dileep onscreen. Touched by Dileep’s unassuming self, she said: “From the very first day, Dileep ettan [brother] made it easy for me, giving tips and sharing his experiences. Manimeghala is a prominent character and responsible for the turning point of the film.”
