Mythili Manivannan firmly believes that talent coupled with hard work will take one places. (Incidentally, she has dropped the prefix Prithiksha from her name.) To prove that she has the credentials to pursue acting, Mythili decided to audition for the Neengalum Aagalam Vijay Stars , which attracted 16,000 entries. “During a month of auditions, performances and competitions at different levels in cities such as Coimbatore, Madurai and Tiruchi, we went through our paces,” says Mythili. In some of the events, she managed to get a 10 on 10 and in the final selection, seven of the finalists had to present plays and three were chosen winners — Praveen, Mythili and Bala. “We will be playing the leads in some of the serials produced by the channel. At the same time, with this exposure we stand a chance of getting into films and I am eagerly looking forward to that,” says a confident Mythili.
Anupama plays a negative role
She has carved a niche for herself, playing matriarchal roles in several recent films. Anupama Kumar is now looking forward to Meagaamann, in which she plays an unusual role, alongside Arya whose character is under wraps. “I am forbidden to reveal my character which is central to the story,” she says. In Oru Oorla Rendu Raja , Anupama plays a glamorous and negative role, for the first time. And in director Saravanan’s Valiyavan , she plays Jai’s loving and bubbly mom. “While these interesting projects keep me busy, I am keen on supporting short films. That’s because I believe that the short film makers are a talented lot and need the encouragement to showcase their work which will surely lead them to established banners,” she says. Anupama can be seen in Sthreepart, a thriller drama about working women directed by Barath Neelakantan, Anbirkum Undo about parental responsibility helmed by R. Nandhakumar, Miruna in which she plays a person with psychic abilities for director Rakav Mirdath and Thayae Nee Kannurangu about old age directed by LGR Saravanan.
Look who’s taming bulls
Following films such as Saattai, Keeripulla and Sogusu Perundhu , Yuvan essays the role of a bull tamer in director Julian Prakash’s Ilami . His leading lady is newcomer Anu Krishna. “ Ilami is based on the traditional sport Jallikattu. The film will be shot in authentic locations such as Madurai and Theni where the sport is still popular,” says Yuvan who is awaiting the release of his next film, Kaadhalai Thavira Ver o nrum Illai . Reportedly, Yuvan had to shed quite a few kilos and tone up his body to suit the character’s requirement.
