Of the thousands of newcomers with stardust in their eyes, there are a handful that make the cut. Yes, luck is a big factor but what is also important is the aspirant’s own belief and approach to roles. While most wannabes would eye a lead role or a role in a big budget film, newcomer Archana Ravi did the unthinkable — she debuted in Aatu — a Tamil film in the lead role of a lower middle class girl living near the unofficial dumpyard of North Chennai. Hardly a glamorous way to begin her debut but Archana had a very strong reason.She says, “I wanted a lead role but did not want any role that required me to just run around trees and be the glamour quotient. This role had substance in it and was performance-oriented and I thought that was more important than acting in a commercial film. I want to be known as a performer.”
It is this same principle that led to Archana debuting in a lead role in the Malayalam film Meenakshi which will have her dipping deep into the reservoirs of her talent. The film takes a look at the real life incident of the unexplained suicide of Kerala’s literary genius — T.A. Rajalakshmi. Archana says, of her role, “I play the role of a journalist who has come to investigate the suicide of the poet and writer. My character goes to a village and tries to effect a change there.” While a romantic track exists, Archana’s yardstick for choosing a role is apparent when she explains the difference. “My character also falls in love with the much older 45 year-old oracle of the village — something which is new to Malayalam cinema.” It was the refreshing script that had her nodding to the film, directed by journalist Murali and scripted by Mohan.
Kochi-based Archana is not new to the spotlight and has been the second runner-up at the Ms Queen Kerala beauty pageant. The Tamil film Aatu has proved her acting credentials and the pretty girl has been listening to scripts but is not in any mad rush to sign films. She cherishes her maiden acting experience and speaks fondly of her Kollywood tenure. “The people in Chennai give you a lot of respect and often call you Amma. Their dedication is also very commendable and praiseworthy,” she notes. The shoot for the Malayalam film will begin soon and she is looking forward to working with veterans like Sudheer Karamana, Nedumudy Venu etc in Meenakshi.
