Nilja K Baby played the bride in ‘Thudarum’ without knowing the full story

In Tharun Moorthy’s acclaimed film 'Thudarum', the soulful song sequence 'Shaanthamee Raathriyil' becomes a pivotal moment in the narrative. Set against the backdrop of a pre-wedding celebration for a police officer’s sister, the scene takes an emotional turn when Shanmughan (played by Mohanlal) arrives with George Sir (Prakash Varma), only to find his life subtly but profoundly altered. While the party bustles with joy, the bride stands apart—her face clouded with quiet sorrow. That role of the hesitant bride was portrayed by actress Nilja K. Baby, who embodied a woman trapped in a marriage she doesn’t want.

Having been part of Tharun Moorthy’s core team since 'Saudi Vellakka', Nilja appeared in the song scene without knowing much about the character’s background. Now, as 'Thudarum' continues to resonate with audiences, she shares her joy with Manorama Online—especially at the opportunity to share screen space with Mohanlal in a song that was once made iconic by Mammootty.

The 'Lalettan' factor
“'Thudarum' is very special to me,” Nilja says. “I entered the project quite unexpectedly. I had done a solid role in 'Saudi Vellakka' and have remained close with that team. We're like family. Binu Pappu chettan is like a brother to me—he’s someone who can joke with you, scold you, and always have your back.”
“When I heard about Tharun chettan’s new film, I asked if there was any role for me. I wasn’t on the initial cast list, but just two days before the shoot, I got a call. They told me, ‘It’s a small part, just a song scene—but Lalettan is in it.’ That was more than enough for me.”

“To share a frame with Lalettan, no matter how small the role, is a blessing. I only shot for two days and didn’t know the full storyline. But when I finally saw the film, I realised just how important that brief appearance was.”
“In 'Shaanthamee Raathriyil', I appear as the bride. It’s a song that was made popular by Mammootty, and now I got to be in it with Lalettan. There were no dialogues—just expressions. Only after watching the film did I truly understand the weight those expressions carried. So much happens in that single moment. Being a part of a hit like 'Thudarum', even in a small way, means a lot.”

The bride who knew nothing
“Tharun chettan didn’t give me the full story,” she says. “He just said, ‘You’re the bride in a song. There’s a tension in your expression. Maybe it’s an unwanted marriage—or something else.’ That’s all I was told.”
“Conveying emotion without knowing the full context was a challenge. After we wrapped, I asked him, ‘Chetta... did we get what you were aiming for?’ And he said, ‘Yes, we got it. That’s enough.’ I left with that sense of satisfaction, feeling I had delivered what was expected.”

“Only later, while watching the film, did I realise how significant that moment was. I didn’t know the backstory of the girl or the broader plot. But I’m so glad the film turned out to be a major hit. Though I’ve done a few films before, this one reached a much wider audience. The reactions have shown that even small roles can leave a strong impact.”

Sharing screen space with Lalettan
“This was my first time acting alongside Lalettan,” she smiles. “And to be part of 'Shaanthamee Raathriyil', a song once made popular by Mammootty—it was incredibly exciting. When Tharun Chettan told me it was that song, I was thrilled.”

“There’s a moment in the scene where someone calls Lalettan to drink toddy, and his little expression there—watching him perform it live, right in front of me—was such a delight. It’s something I’ll always cherish.”
“My time with him was brief. We met, clicked a photo, and shared just a few moments. Shobhana ma'am was also part of the film, but since we didn’t have any combination scenes, I didn’t get a chance to meet her on set.”