Malavika Nair made her debut into the Telugu film industry with Nani and Vijay Deverakonda’s ‘Evade Subrahmanyam’. She was later seen in ‘Taxiwaala’, ‘Kalyana Vaibhogame’, and ‘Mahanati’. Malavika’s next Telugu film is Raj Tharun’s ‘Orey Bujjiga’ and it is all set for release. Here’s what she had to say when we caught up with her.
Where were you during the lockdown and what did you learn during this period?
I was in Hyderabad during the lockdown and had no plans of going back to Kerala as this is my home now. I study and work here. A lot of personal growth has happened during the lockdown period as 4 months is a long time. I’ve learnt that things will happen at their own pace and there’s no rush whatsoever. Everyone’s life is, in some sense, at a halt and we all are forced to re-evaluate our future plans.
Why are you so choosy about your projects?
This is a question that I get a lot. Why shouldn’t I be choosy about my films? Well, working on a film demands 3 months of my life and I don’t want to give it for something that I don’t like.
What kind of roles are you willing to take up in the future?
That’s a vague question. It all depends on the kind of roles that filmmakers are willing to offer me.
If not acting, which professional would you pick?
Most definitely, I would do some kind of a job related to academics. I could also be a writer, a painter, or something that I like. Now than I am an actress, it doesn’t mean that I can’t do something that I love.
We’re hearing good things about Orey Bujjigaa, is it a triangular love story?
I’m glad that you have been hearing good reports about the movie because it’s a fun-watch. But no, it is not a triangular love story.
Seems it might take some time for theatres to reopen due to COVID-19 pandemic. So, can we expect Orey Bujjgaa to release directly on OTT platforms?
I am unsure about it. The producers are the best people to speak on this topic.
You look like a rowdy girl in the posters, how is your character in Orey Bujjiga different from the other characters you have played in your career?
*Laughs* My character is very fresh. I have played a lot of subdued characters till date and I feel it comes easy to me. Orey Bujjiga is a fun-filled film and even I had to deliver on this front in the film which is something very new for me.
How was it to work with Vijay Kumar Konda?
He is one of the most relaxed directors I have worked with. He sticks to his edit pattern and is always open to a healthy discussion. He doesn’t take any stress.
Was acting your main aim or did it happen accidentally?
I accidentally became an actress. I didn’t even know when acting became a primary job to me and I am obviously glad about it. I think it started when I was 14 years old and my dad wants to see me as an actress.
How do you take your failures and career-related rumors?
Thankfully, there aren’t a lot of rumors about me and I don’t even know if there are any regarding me. I am hard on myself and I pick myself up very quickly.
There are rumors that Naga Shaurya and Nandini Reddy are recommending your name to a lot of producers, is it true? How is your relationship with them?
Are they? If they are, I am grateful for them. Shaurya is one of my first friends in the film industry and we share a good rapport. We just gel together as actors. He is a brilliant actor. Nandini Reddy is like my mentor and I look up to her. I am grateful for the support she has given to me both personally and professionally.
What’s the most challenging role you’ve played so far?
I would like to say it was ‘Cuckoo’, a Tamil film in which I had to play a blind girl. Each role I had played till now is challenging in its own way. That said, I feel my previous character is always the hardest one as I keep evolving constantly.
Are you not interested in glamour and commercial films or is it that the commercial filmmakers are not approaching you?
It is just a personal preference. I don’t categorise roles based on potential for acting or glamour. I am very instinctive when it comes to picking a subject. If feel I would enjoy watching a role on the screen then I am down for it.
Who is your dream actor to work with in Telugu and in South?
*A long pause* I don’t know. Next question please.
We know that you are a writer too, are you inclined towards film direction?
It’s too early to ask me that question. Ofcourse I like to write but I am really lazy. I am open to it and I know that I am interested. I have some some instinctive reflexes when it come to setting up a shot, given the fact that I have been in the industry since the age of 14.
Who inspired you to become an actress? who is your favorite actress in this current generation?
I have so many favorites. My father is my inspiration to become and actress and his favorite actor was Kamal Hassan. Everyone’s putting in their best efforts in every feature film, individual film, and web series’. There are so many brilliant actors out there.
You worked in both of Nag Ashwin’s films, following the sentiment, did he approach you for Prabhas’s film?
I don’t think it matters. I will somehow be around even while he is shooting. I am glad that I have a friend like Nagi in my life.
Do you feel that a few flops drew your career downwards?
I don’t think that’s true. All of my films have performed well in Telugu film industry.
One thing you have learnt from your co-stars and directors
Nani – To be charismatic.
Vijay Deverakonda – To be unaffected by circumstances. He is not arrogant whatsoever despite recieving so much love from audience.
Naga Shaurya – Honesty.
Kalyan Dhev – To be in constant search of perfection.
Raj Tharun – Stay relaxed.
Dulquer Salman – I haven’t been around him much.
Nandini Reddy – “Stand up for yourself” attitude.
Nag Ashwin – To be in a creative loop all the time.
Rahul Sankrityan – Cinematic storytelling.
Vijay Kumar – Not to stress the actors on sets.