Maala Parvathi has been an integral part of Malayalam movies ever since playing Kunjimalu in Laljose’s 2009 directorial Neelathamara. A noted psychologist, social worker, writer, anchor and PR professional, the actress who has over 60 films to her credit is absolutely excited about her role in Anjali Menon’s upcoming movie Koode. One of the most anticipated movies of the year, Koode and her charcter Lily hold a special place in her heart.
Excited as she talks about it, Parvathy says, “Acting in Koode is something I love to experience again. The film was shot at Glenmorgan, Ooty, at the peak months of November to December. I’m a person who has difficulties dealing with the cold climate, but that didn’t affect me on the sets. The credit goes to Anjali. I really loved and enjoyed working with her. She has crystal-clear plans about her film and executes it softly and patiently. How she handles the movie is admirable. I must say that she’s a master filmmaker.”
Her character, Lily, is an inevitable part of the movie. She ages from 35 to 60 on screen. She admits good preparation was required as the role was physically and mentally challenging. “I had to lose oodles of weight, something I have never done in my life. I did yoga and underwent intensive training to lose weight. Anjali is very particular about even the minute details of her characters and I wanted Lily to be convincing. Anjali never insists on anything, but she has a commanding power to which we comply with happily,” she says.
Still in awe of Lily, Parvathy terms the role ‘kidilam’ (super). “Lily is an awesome person and a righteous mother full of love. Love just outpours from her all the time. But she never realises how it affects others. There are many mothers who instructs or get involved in their children’s life, dictating them what all to do and not to, all out of pure love. Lily is such a mother. It is a character with different shades,” she stresses.
The film also has a rich cast comprising Ranjith, Prithviraj, Parvathy Thiruvoth, Nazriya and Roshan Mathew. Parvathy has clearly enjoyed working with the team. She believes it’s Anjali who puts the actors at ease and instills the roles deeply into their minds, pumping out exactly what is required. “I want to relive Lily again. I’m grateful to Anjali for giving me such a striking role,” says Parvathi, who believes in director-actor rapport. She gets into the skin of her character with ease and she thanks the directors who explain the soul of the characters well to her. Koode, she assures, will completely be a family movie — a story that explores the relation of duos — couples, lovers, siblings and parents. After Koode, she will be seen in Madhupal’s Oru Kuprasidha Payyan.
