How Indu Lakshmi takes on superstition through lived experiences: 'Appuram' now on Manorama Max | Interview

Director Indu Lakshmi, who made her Mollywood debut with the Shanthi Krishna–starrer 'Nila', has always been vocal about her opinions. When influential figures from the Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC) allegedly obstructed her during the making of 'Nila', she did not hesitate to call them out, knowing her voice carried weight. That unwavering conviction is reflected in her films, and it shines through in her latest work, 'Appuram', which is currently streaming exclusively on Manorama Max.

Featuring Jagadish and Anagha Ravi in the lead roles, 'Appuram' revolves around a father and daughter grappling with the emotional and psychological challenges of supporting a family member struggling with suicidal thoughts. The film premiered at the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) 2024 and, through its robust and layered narrative, captures the everyday struggles many women in Kerala continue to face, particularly the burden of superstition and rigid societal expectations.

In a candid conversation with Onmanorama, Indu revealed that the story was inspired by a personal experience from 2004. While some elements were fictionalised, the film's emotional core is drawn directly from her own life. What surprised her most was the overwhelming response from women following the film's premiere, both at the festival and after its digital release.

The director shared one message, from a young woman in Kozhikode, that touched her immensely. The girl shared an experience eerily similar to the one depicted in 'Appuram': she was denied the right to mourn the death of a loved one because she was menstruating. "This happened to me in 2005. And now, in 2026, women are still telling me they are going through the same thing. It's both shocking and heartbreaking."

Indu believes that despite educational progress, society remains deeply entrenched in patriarchal thinking, a reality that even manifests among younger generations. This, she says, is reflected in the film. “Though the protagonist Janaki (Anagha Ravi) tries to rebel and challenge superstition and customs, despite her helplessness, she does not receive support even from the younger members of her family. Younger people are still influenced by societal norms, despite the illusion of progress. You see them on social media trying to break free, but deep down, old beliefs still bind many.”

The film also addresses mental health through the character of Janaki’s mother, Chithra (played by Mini IG), who embodies unfulfilled dreams and suppressed desires. Chithra’s journey highlights how years of societal pressure can take a severe emotional and psychological toll on women.

Talking about the casting process, Indu said it unfolded organically. After completing the script, she approached veteran actor Jagadish to play Janaki’s father and Chithra’s husband. “The film needed a balance that only a veteran like Jagadish could bring. When he agreed to do the role, I redrafted the script to ensure a more satisfying final outcome. I was pleased with his character in the final version,” she said.

Anagha Ravi was approached after she had wrapped up shooting for 'Kaathal'. “I was impressed by her performance in a short film and felt she had the depth and sensitivity required to portray a character like Janaki.”

Indu addressed the comparisons between 'Appuram' and her earlier work 'Daayam', scripted by her and directed by 'Ithiri Neram' director Prashant Vijay. “Daayam was about a young girl and how her relationship with her father changed after his death. 'Appuram' is an entirely different film, but if traces of 'Daayam' exist in it, it’s because I couldn’t let go of that emotional core.”

The Germany-based director also spoke about the challenges of being a woman filmmaker. "Every woman has her own experience, but women directors definitely face more challenges than their male counterparts. Even the support you receive from government organisations like the KSFDC, which funded my first film, is not the same. I had to fight hard to make 'Nila', even against industry heavyweights. I was told I would never make another film after that. But I proved them wrong through sheer hard work and willpower. If a woman has made a film, you can be sure it came with immense struggle,” she said.