Audrey Miriam Henest on playing a deeply emotional role in Vineeth Sreenivasan’s ‘Karam’

Audrey Miriam Henest’s breakthrough came when she was cast as Sana in Vineeth Sreenivasan’s ‘Karam’. Unlike the usual heroines in Vineeth’s films, who are often defined by their beauty and grace, Sana was a character with depth, complexity, and emotional turmoil. Audrey’s portrayal of this multi-layered character has garnered praise and marked a significant turning point in her career.

Audrey’s journey to landing the role of Sana started with an unexpected recommendation. “A close friend of mine suggested me to Vineeth,” she recalls. “He saw my profile, reached out, and asked if I was willing to audition.” After travelling to Chennai, Audrey did a look test and was soon selected for the role. What followed was a transformative experience, one that would push her as an actor and help her explore new emotional depths.

When Vineeth first described Sana’s character to Audrey, she knew immediately that the role would be a challenge, but one she couldn’t resist. “Sana wasn’t like any character I’d played before,” Audrey explains. “The role was challenging, but I felt deeply connected to it, and I’m grateful for the opportunity.”

Playing such a complex role wasn’t easy. Audrey found herself completely immersed in Sana’s world. “I would think about Sana constantly,” she admits. “Her pain, her internal conflict — it was so real to me. One scene, in particular, was very disturbing, and after filming it, I felt mentally drained. The location itself was dark and dingy, which added to the heaviness of the scene. It affected my state of mind, but I didn’t let it consume me. I found ways to snap out of it and keep myself positive.”

Despite the emotional toll, Audrey was fortunate to work with a supportive team, especially director Vineeth Sreenivasan. “Working with Vineeth was a dream come true,” she says. “I had always wanted to work with him, and when it finally happened, it felt surreal. He is such a calm and wonderful person. Even during difficult scenes, he made sure I was comfortable and never spoonfed me. He gave me the creative freedom to explore the character on my own, which was invaluable.”

Audrey credits Vineeth’s guidance for her growth as an actor. “There were times when I felt stuck, but Vineeth always knew how to guide me without imposing anything. He gave me the time and space to process things and get into character, which made all the difference.”

Audrey’s path to acting was not without its challenges. Raised in Bahrain, she always had a passion for performing. “I don’t know where it came from, but I always wanted to act,” she says. “My parents were supportive, which helped me stay focused on my dream.” Audrey faced numerous rejections while attending auditions, but she didn’t give up. “I landed small roles in CBI 5 and Alappuzha Gymkhana. These experiences taught me a lot,” she reflects.

‘Karam’ marked Audrey’s true breakthrough. Playing a character as complex and emotionally charged as Sana opened doors to more significant opportunities, setting her on a path toward more meaningful roles in the future.

‘Karam’, directed by Vineeth Sreenivasan, is an action-packed thriller that hit theatres on September 25th. The film stars Noble Babu Thomas in the lead role, who also serves as the writer of the movie. Alongside him, the film features a strong ensemble cast, including Reshma Sebastian, Baburaj, Manoj K. Jayan, and Kalabhavan Shajohn, who play key roles in this gripping narrative.