There is no exaggeration in her words. Even as Anju Mohandas becomes the first few of the casting directors in M’wood, her words didn’t cite more than what she did. As for the designation, for a movie of an average 40-50 member crew, this job was largely undertaken by the director himself. Anju was one of the casting directors of the much celebrated movie Kammatti Paadam along with Vijaikumar Sujith and Shaiz.
“There was no department for casting directors in Malayalam movies. It is still in the nascent stage in Mollywood,” begins Anju. A dentist by qualification, Anju has been active in the media field for the past 15 years. But, this is the first time she takes the role of an assistant director and casting director for Rajeev Ravi’s movie. . “I joined the crew as an assistant director. We were running short of time and thus Rajeevettan shifted us to the role of casting directors,” adds Anju.
Vineeth Sreenivasan’s Jacobinte Swargarajyam also saw a separate cube of casting directors. On her drive as a casting director for Kammatti Paadam, Anju explains, “Getting the younger versions of the actors was a tough call. We had to hunt at least 17 schools to get the children. Getting Shaun Romy’s miniature version was also difficult due to her unique face and body structure. When we approached people, some of them saw us in bad light. But I can identify with that because parents will have a natural worry to send their children for acting as what is generally heard in the media is not a happy picture. This also points out to the representation of women in the media. It is a serious issue,” comments Anju.
Anju further says that working with Rajeev was a worthy experience. “I joined films just to know more about the field. I am still a beginner with the movies. Working with Rajeevettan was a big learning experience for me and I could see how he only takes quality suggestions when we worked with him,” says Anju.
Though known as a male-dominated field, Mollywood didn’t pose such problems for Anju. “If you are competent, your gender doesn’t matter; the work you do should be more reflective.”
Anju just finished cast directing for Prithviraj-starrer Ezra and will be working for Geetu Mohandas’ upcoming movie Insha Allah.
