Cinematographer Manoj Nair's maiden directorial Varthakal Ithuvare has hit the theaters on November 22. Starring Siju Wilson, Vinay Forrt, Nedumudi Venu et al, the movie is a light-hearted comedy entertainer that is set in 1990s. While the movie hit the theaters, the female lead was widely noticed. With her rustic beauty, charming smile and spontaneity in expressions, Abhirami Bhargavan danced her way to fame. In a candid chat with Onmanorama, Abhirami Bhargavan opens up about the experience in her first movie, aspirations and dreams.
What is your character in 'Varthakal Ithuvare?'
I was selected to play the female lead in 'Varthakal Ithuvare' through auditions. I play a character called Alice in this movie. Alice is a school teacher. As the movie takes place in 1990s, my character is dressed and behaved like someone hailing from an older generation. Alice is more bold and mature than I am in my real life. I wear sarees all along the movie. Though I didn't have to prepare much to transform myself to Alice, I did refer several old movies and observe the female characters in them. I have tried to replicate the acting style of Shobhana in 'Nadodikkaattu' in this movie. I have also drawn my inspiration from 'Mazhavilkavadi,' 'Malayogam' etc.
About your family and educational background...
I am a native of Payyannur in Kannur district. I was graduated in arts from Payyannur college. Later, I pursued my MA in fine arts as distance education. I worked as an anchor in a private channel for some time before I attended auditions for 'Varthakal Ithuvare.' I have my parents and a younger sister at home.
When did you start aspiring to become an actor?
I have been a movie aspirant since childhood. I am a classical dancer and used to perform dance forms from my fifth standard. I was better known as a singer than a dancer in my childhood. I have won many prizes for singing competitions. My parents wanted me to pursue my career in music than in performing arts. However, I grew enthusiastic about acting as I got more serious in dance.
What are the goals you wish to accomplish in your acting career?
I performed a rural character now. I want to play a modern character soon. I don't want to be typecast to certain characters. I want to be flexible enough to perform all types of characters that come by my way.
How was your experience of associating with Siju Wilson, Vinay Forrt and other crew members?
I share a friendly connect with Siju Wilson. Vinay Forrt is also a very interesting person. Experienced actors like Indrans crack jokes on the shooting sets making the whole location lively and energetic. Senior actor Vijayaraghavan helped me with some valuable pieces of advice as I was acting my initial scenes. He told me that an actor should always favor the camera while bowing, turning around and facing the co-actor. However naturally you are acting, you shouldn't let go your correspondence with the camera, he said. I wish I spent some more days with senior actors like them.
Most of the scenes were shot at Kollenkode, Palakkad. It is very rural country-side. The nostalgic scenery and village life there is double of what the movie could capture in camera. Adding to it, many scenes were shot in rainy season which is the most beautiful time there.
