Women face many challenges: Mamta Mohandas

Actor Mamta Mohandas has been thrilling the Malayali audience with her incredible talent and amazing choice of roles for the last 13 years. The actress became an icon of resilience and courage when she made a stellar return to the silver screen after surviving her bout with cancer. This time Mamta is all set to frighten the audience with her latest horror thriller ‘Neeli’.

She talks about her character in ‘Neeli’ and her experiences as an actress.

What is ‘Neeli’ about?

‘Neeli’ is a film that is very dear to me. It is after a while that I am playing the lead role in a movie. Besides, it is my first horror thriller.

Is the movie related the story of Kalliankattu Neeli?

The movie ‘Neeli’ has got nothing to do with the real Kalliankattu Neeli. But I have watched that old movie while shooting for ‘Neeli’. It helped me a lot to improve my performance in this film. The character Neeli is an ordinary woman who is very strong.

There are reports that you are acting in ‘Nine’ produced by Prithviraj and also in ‘Lucifer’ which is directed by the actor.

The filming of my portions in ‘Nine’ has been completed. Eight years ago, Prithviraj and me shot in Manalai for the movie ‘Anwar’. ‘Nine’ too was filmed there. It was during the shooting of ‘Celluloid’ that I met director Kamal’s son Jenuse, who is directing ‘Nine’. Prithviraj’s first independent production venture is an ambitious project which deals with an unusual subject in Malayalam cinema. I am extremely happy to be a part of it. The movie also has a beautiful song composed by Shaan Rahman.

Coming to ‘Lucifer’, Prithvi had spoken to me about it. But I don't want to reveal or talk anything about it now.

A recent remark allegedly made by you has become a controversy in the cinema industry. What do you have to say about it?

I have already given an explanation about the matter through the social media. I do not wish to talk about it any more. It is high time that we move forward by solving all these problems.

You have been in the film field for the last 13 years. How difficult is it for a woman to grow in the industry?

A woman faces many challenges in this world. Cinema too is no different. Until recently, women did not have any problem essaying minor or unimportant roles in movies. But the situation has significantly changed now. The gender imbalance in the society is reflected in cinema as well. Today’s women have many tales to tell, and that indicates the changes that are happening in the society. They long for the freedom to grow by overcoming the physical and mental obstacles. There should be more movies which narrate stories from the point of view of women.

Very few producers come forward to bankroll movies which have strong screenplays with a woman playing the lead role. They say that they wouldn’t get any profit from those films. I have personally had such experiences. I just have one thing to say to these people. Just like we trust men, you should trust us too.

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