'I am an artist first, not just an activist:' Rima Kallingal on her comeback, success of Lokah, and more

Having made her mark in Malayalam cinema through a range of powerful female characters, actor Rima Kallingal is making a comeback as the lead in 'Theatre: The Myth of Reality'.

Rima, who is also an active member of the Women in Cinema Collective, a women’s empowerment initiative in the Malayalam film industry, opened up about her new movie, the controversy surrounding the success of Lokah, her break from cinema, and more.

From climbing coconut trees to rowing
“Playing the lead character in 'Theatre: The Myth of Reality' was a unique experience. I have always wished to explore something new in my life. For this film, I learned to climb coconut trees and even rowed a country boat around an island for long distances. My mother told me, ‘You have climbed all the trees and only the coconut tree was left. Now you have done that too.’”

I am an artist, not just an activist
“Many tend to forget that I am an artist first, and it is my duty to remind them of that. After receiving the Film Critics Award for Best Actress, the questions I faced were not about the recognition I earned but about other unrelated matters. I could embrace activism because I am an artist. What I have received from my audience is love and appreciation. All humans, when they meet face-to-face, are good at heart. I have never had to hear anything bad from my audience in public spaces.”

Higher IQ level
“Many have tried to undermine or belittle me. I have been the target of such attempts because of my involvement in a women’s empowerment initiative. Perhaps because of higher IQ levels, I have been able to maintain trust with my audience. Most people have always tried to understand me, and I consider that both a blessing and a stroke of luck.”

Behind the success of Lokah
“The success of ‘Lokah’ came from its budget and the support it received. The film had all the elements that are generally associated with a male-centric movie. Better marketing and distribution also played a major role in its success. Audiences come for good cinema, and they will watch a movie only if it is good, regardless of whether it features a big star. Craft is the true success factor of a film. I always maintain that it is not just the film’s stars that determine its impact.”

Waiting for the right movie
“Many have asked me where I had gone after Neela Velicham. I can act only if I receive the right call from a film, and that was a time when I faced many barriers to this. I began my journey in cinema through the stage. There were numerous programmes by my dance school, Mamangam. Nothing can match the satisfaction that a stage performance gives. During that period, I could also be part of many stage productions.”