Jyothika who took a professional sabbatical after her marriage to Suriya and made a impactful comeback in 2015 with 36 Vayadhinile is at it again!
The effervescent actress, who is in no mood to essay arm candy to big heroes anymore — despite receiving offers in big commercial projects — has resolved to sign only meaningful roles with a social message. Her next flick Magalir Mattum is one such attempt by national award-winning filmmaker Bramma.
Even as Jyothika was in a hurry to leave for the Himalayas along with her kids Diya and Dev for a trek, the actress, in an exclusive to DC, spills the beans about the film, her co-stars Urvashi, Bhanupriya and Saranya, on director Bramma and Suriya’s unconditional support among others.
“It has been a year and half since I did my last film. Though big offers came my way, I was not happy with the roles I was offered. Irrespective of my character’s screentime, I want to be part of only meaningful movies. After a certain stage, I want to pick up films which convey a social message — that make women hold their heads high and feel proud. Magalir Mattum is one such project,” says Jyothika.
Unlike 36 Vayadhinile, Bramma’s film is not hero or heroine-centric, she reveals. “MM is a character-driven flick where Bramma has brilliantly woven the script around seven characters. The inner side of womanhood is brought out. It imparts a larger message — that irrespective of age, a woman can come out and blossom. It is a feel-good entertainer and everything is real without any exaggeration. There are a lot of deep emotions and enjoyable moments as well.”
On her character, she says, “I play Prabhavathi, a modern-day, independent documentary filmmaker. She is woman of today, and is clear about what she wants in life. Bramma has written all the characters in an intelligent manner.”
Ask her if she was apprehensive of her character being diluted, and pat she replies, “Never! MM is a ‘director’s film’. Even as Bramma came up with the narration, certain scenes were written for Urvashi madam (which only she can perform), some for Saranya, Bhanupriya and me. So, I knew what I am doing in the film. I even wondered how it came from a man’s head! The film will bring smiles and tears at the same time to the eyes of the audience.”
The Chandramukhi actress says that she could relate to Prabhavathi in many ways — “There is a lot of Prabhavathi in me. I also think and act like her in real life. Not only me, a lot of women can relate to her when they watch the film.”
Talking about riding a bike in the film, she says, “Prabha is a strong lady. Just to break the myth that women cannot ride a motorcycle, we have kept those scenes which appears in a few segments. You know what, it is very easy to ride a bike once you learn it!” (giggles)
But Jo admits that she feared sharing screen space with legendary stars like Urvashi, Bhanupriya and Saranya. “Normally, I wouldn’t be nervous. What was challenging here was to act besides these three veterans. With their vast experience, they would come and perform their scenes in a jiffy! Since we did rehearsals, we could do it without going for many takes.”
Heaping praises on Bramma, the actress says, “His direction style is very different. He is exceptionally different from all the filmmakers I have worked with so far.”
Recalling an amusing incident while shooting in North India, she says, “We shot at various places including UP, Agra, Jhansi, Chhattisgarh and Chennai. Once, we were travelling to the smaller towns by the UP side and the only mode of transport was train. There were 20 of us carrying so much luggage and most didn’t know Hindi. Suriya was also with us. We had to get down from one train to catch another to reach our location. At most small stations, people would not understand English and respond properly, so there was utter confusion! In the process, some of them shifted to a wrong train. That night was an unforgettable one.”
Interestingly, the Kaakha Kaakha star has dubbed her own voice for MM although she has attempted it only once earlier. “I know the importance of dubbing one’s own voice which elevates one’s performance. I had this first-time fear of sorts, but Bramma encouraged me, gave me enough time, waited patiently and corrected me when required. I plan to continue this in the future,” she asserts.
Though she was not willing to open up about her film Naachiyaar with prolific filmmaker Bala, she was all praise for the director. “Naachiyaar is the most powerful film I have ever done. It is a city-centric movie. Bala sir is artiste-friendly and is the sweetest and most caring person to work with. I am not saying this because I know him through Suriya. I am dubbing for Naachiyaar as well,” she says.
Finally talking about her hubby dearest, who also bankrolls the project with his home banner 2D Entertainment, she gets hyper.
Quiz if Suriya is her best critic, she quips, “More than a critic, he is a supportive husband. He has given me enough freedom and space to choose and do a film. He always says, ‘Come what may, I will be by your side’. As a family we have taken the decision of working in films which will be watched by family audiences, including kids."
She also discloses that Suriya and her daughter Diya watched Magalir Mattum already, and liked it a lot! The movie, which also features Nasser, Livingston and Paval is slated for a September 15 release.
