Actress Jyothika’s new film Kaatrin Mozhi (KM), a remake of B’town hit Tumhari Sulu, is hitting the marquee on November 16. Directed by Radha Mohan, who gave the award winning film Mozhi and produced by Dhananjeyan, the entire team vouches that Jyothika’s acting is more intense than Vidya Balan’s in the original. The bubbly actress, who was visibly excited, speaks to DC in an exclusive chat. Excerpts:
Challenges involved working in remakes:
Acting in remake films is always a huge challenge. It’s because, usually hit movies are remade and we have a huge responsibility to perform well. Especially, a film like Tumhari Sulu, where Vidya Balan ma’m has given a fabulous performance, the responsibility is much heavier. I have given a fresh approach.
My mom, mom-in-law are my inspiration:
I play a character named Vijayalakshmi, a middle class housewife who is ambitious, and turns popular radio jockey by her sheer perseverance. Both my mom-in-law whom I call amma and my own amma are inspirations for all my characters. My mom has taught me how to stay strong and my other amma has taught me the value of a family, togetherness and adjustments in family and how to stay balanced.
Teaming up with Radha Mohan after 10 years:
It was like the magic repeated once again. The same positivity and same first and lengthy shot! Among the directors I had worked so far, my chemistry has worked best with Radha Mohan sir.
On father-in-law Sivakamar:
He is a very good critic. He goes to the theatres to watch all my movies post my re-entry, he gives me his honest feedback.
Different from 36 Vayadhinile and Magalir Mattum:
Vijayalakshmi is more hyper and vibrant, but wants to balance the family. There’s comedy as well. The husband-wife bonding is the highlight of the film. Vidaarth who essay my husband has done a great job. In around 55-60 films I have done, this is one film that was completely shot in air conditioned sets — thanks to producer Dhananjayan.
First time crooned for KM:
Somehow, they felt my voice suited a certain song and I also agreed and sang it in Kaashif’s composition.
On Lakshmi Manchu:
She was the life of the entire sets. She is a firebrand and keeps the sets so lively. It’s so nice to have women on the sets including my costume designer Poornima.
After Suriya, Ajith and Madhavan, it is Vidaarth
Though, I have done so many films, I was not comfortable with most of the heroes. The exceptions being Suriya, Ajith and Madhavan! And now, it is Vidaarth who was very comfortable to work with.
