The expressive eyes, restrained acting and gracious moves, this is how Anu Sithara enchants the audience. The actress, who started her career in 2013 with Pottas Bomb, had a noticeable outing in Sathyan Anthikad's Oru Indian Pranayakatha, which got released in the same year. Through a flock of small yet defining roles, gradually she made a mark in the Malayalam movie industry. Her portrayal of Malini in Ramante Edanthottam last year turned her into a substantial artiste; it was truly justified by her performance as Anitha in Captain. With Oru Kuttanand Blog gearing up for release and promising line up coming, Anu’s career is prospering.
Just back from the wrap up of G. Marthandan’s Johny Johny Yes Appa starring Kunchako Boban and Mamtha Mohandas, Anu says, “In the movie, I play a character named Jaysa, who stands by her lover, no matter what the public comments about him are or any issue he is involved in. It’s a very bold character, very different from the one I’ve portrayed so far. The location and shooting experience was enjoyable as everyone on the sets was familiar. Though I’m working with Marthandan chettan for the first time, I knew him even before I came to movies. It was a comfortable working atmosphere.”
The movie also gives an opportunity for the audience to see the Ramante Edanthottam pair again. Would film buffs get to see the magical chemistry again? Laughing, she says, “Working with Chackochan is always a relaxing experience. He is very cooperative and it was great fun on the sets. He used to share his old stories and the love story with Priya chechi. He just eases the tension of his co-artist.”
Her next release is Oru Kuttanadan Blog directed by Sethu. The Onam movie, a full-on entertainer, is her dream-come-true project for she got to act with Mammootty. “My character Hema is a typical Kuttanadan girl who likes Hari (Mammootty) a lot. Their families are well-connected. It’s an incident in her life which marks the turning point of the story,” she reveals.
Anyone who follows Anu’s social media accounts can easily identify her as a diehard Mammootty fan. And she’s quite happy and thrilled about pairing up with the legendary actor, with whom she had acted in a scene in Captain. “It was my childhood dream to meet Mammookka. My husband Vishnu used to show me Mammookka's photos from the events they attend. Now, I had the opportunity to work with him and I’m still excited about the experience. Mammookka is super cool and fun on the sets. He always cracks jokes and even makes fun of me. He supports his co-artists well and makes them so comfortable. I’ve heard many saying that he’s very serious and short-tempered, but he's a very sweet and fun-loving person. I have learned so much from him and still have a lot to learn. I love to work with him again.”
Anu has also completed Madhupal's Oru Kuprasidha Payyan, in which she will be seen as Jalaja, a hotel employee, who supports her family. She has always been a fan of Madhupal’s films and is so pleased to have worked with him. Her new project with A.K. Sajan will soon go on floors after which Anu will act in Salim Ahmed’s And the Oscar Goes To, which will start rolling by October.
Currently, she is busy with the promotion of Oru Kuttanadan Blog and a few stage shows. For all the attention she has been receiving, Anu owes it all to her films directors and of course, her audience. “I’m very glad and grateful to all. I started with small roles and finally was blessed with characters like Malini and Anitha — the former a dancer and the latter who could touch an emotional chord with the audience.” Now she wants to do vintage characters from the 90s. “Like Urvashi chechi’s character in Mithunam. I want to do such notable characters. And I need the love and support of the audience throughout,” she wraps up.
