Oru Naal Koothu has just released and Miya George is beaming from all the positive reviews coming her way. In a way, the success of her films is a validation that she’s choosing her scripts right. “That’s always been my priority. I’ve always wanted to be part of well-narrated stories, across genres and languages,” says the Kottayam girl, who turned an actor by chance.
Be it her stint in television or modelling, or making a mark with the Malayalam film Chettayees , nothing was pre-planned. “Everyone speaks of how difficult it is to enter the industry. In my case, they came home asking if I’ll act. I must make the best use of that opportunity,” she says. Which is how, after making a name in Malayalam, starring with senior actors, she entered the Tamil industry with Amara Kaaviyam . Though the film did not rake in the moolah , she was appreciated.
She was next seen in Indru Netru Naalai , where she played the fun-loving heroine, and followed it up with a mature character in Sasikumar’s sleeper hit Vetrivel. She also dubbed for the latter in Malayalam-scented Tamil. “It suited the character; so I took the plunge,” says Miya, who’s been working hard on her Tamil.
The actor is delighted with how Oru Naal Koothu has shaped up, and says that all the three strong female leads (Nivetha Pethuraj and Riythvika) are overjoyed that they’ve been appreciated. In Malayalam too, she’s been given roles of substance in films such as Anarkali and Memories . Does Miya, who often dons older, mature characters, worry she’ll never get to play her age? “Not really. I guess the audience and directors like that I can do roles with gravitas.”
In Oru Naal Koothu , Miya plays Lakshmi, a traditional girl from Dindigul, who’s quiet and accepts decisions made by others. “That’s very unlike me. If I want something, I’ll ask for it openly,” laughs Miya.
The young actor, who is game for experimentation, has signed up for Yaman with Vijay Antony, directed by her Amara Kaaviyam director Jeeva Shankar. Then, there’s Rum , a horror film directed by Sai Bharath, besides some Malayalam films. “Right now, it’s almost like I complete one film here and head to Kerala, and vice-versa. I’m shuttling between cities, but I like it. Because, ultimately, I want to occupy a place in the audience’s heart and mind.”
