As we talk, actress Sajitha Madathil receives a message on her phone congratulating her for her performance in Nilam, a short film that talks about one of the serious issues every woman faces when she goes out.
The four-minute short film has captured the gravity of lack of public toilets for women so intensely that it is getting good reviews and shares (on social media) from people.
Sajitha says the response was unanticipated. “I am surprised to see the responses. When the video appeared on YouTube, I was happy to see all my friends sharing it on their wall with a note on their experience,” says Sajitha.
The movie, directed by Vineeth Chakyar, is a zero-budget film. “It is the first time that I am associating with Vineeth. Nilam is a zero-budget short film and they asked me whether I could do it for free. My job is acting and money is important for me. At the same time, it is a subject that needs attention from the crowd. Even I have experienced it in my life. So, I decided to do it for free,” she says.
“The whole shooting happened in half a day. They didn’t want to waste my time. There were only the camera man and director during the shoot. But, they were well-planned and knew which shot to take. That is what reflects in the film,” she adds.
The film was screened at the Nottam festival. According to Sajitha, it is the making style that has got them the appreciation. “People appreciate my acting. At the same time, they congratulate the way they took a serious issue so beautifully within four minutes. While doing the film, I was a little skeptical whether people would dislike seeing my face throughout the movie, but it clicked,” she says, adding that acting in short films requires more effort. “You have to tell a lot of things within a short time,” she says.
She was in Kochi for the beef festival organised by the students of the Government Law College, Ernakulam, and about it she says, “I am not a person who actively takes part in these. But our nation is heading to a state that even someone like me feels like talking. I am not bothered about eating beef, but dividing people based on one’s eating habit is my concern. We shouldn’t go back. If we do so, the most-affected will be women,” she says.
Sajitha’s latest film is Rani Padmini in which she essays a mature character. “I am donning the role of the mother-in-law of Manju Warrier’s character. In my upcoming movie Mohavalayam too, I am donning a mature role,” she says.
