Well begun is…
With her large, expressive eyes and a striking presence, it was not surprising that Janani Iyer had a high-profile launch when she was cast opposite Vishal in role Avan Ivan. Says the model-turned-actor, “I am on the verge of finalising a couple of films. I am particular that I do roles different from the one I did in Avan Ivan . I want to prove to the audience that I am capable of doing all kinds of roles. I hope I get to play a modern, city girl in which I can be myself while something like the character of Sridevi in Moondram Pirai or Shalini in Alaipayuthey would be really challenging.”
Ready for the challenge
A grand debut in the Malayalam film Neelathamara scripted by M. T. Vasudevan Nair and directed by Lal Jose was followed by an another award-winning role in Mummy & Me opposite Kunchacko Boban. Couple of Malayalam films later, Archana Kavi landed a plum role in director Vasanthabalan's Aravaan alongside Aadhi. The character Archana plays in Aravaan is unlike her real self. She was initially apprehensive about doing justice to the role. “Apparently, Vasanthabalan had seen my first Malayalam film and felt I would be the right person to essay the role of Chimitti, a bold and aggressive woman, who loves to take control of everything around her. It wasn't easy to get the body language and the Madurai Tamil right. But the energy and hardwork on the sets made it easy to get into the character. With Vasanthabalan, there is no compromise. He works non-stop and inspires his team to do so.”
Second outing
Being the son of a multi-faceted actor such as S.Ve. Shekher is a tough act. And Ashwin Shekher after his debut in Vegam four years ago now gears up for his second film — director G.V. Agasthiya Bharati's Ninaivil Ninraval . Said to be “an untold love story” the movie also stars Keerthi Chawla and new face Gayathri. So how is he handling his second outing? Says Ashwin, “Four years is a long gap, especially in movies. Luckily, people don't seem to have forgotten me thanks to Vegam being screened on television quite a few times. I didn't want to do any role that came my way and waited for the right script. When Agasthiya Bharati approached me with Ninaivil Ninraval , I felt the character offered enough scope to showcase my talent.” Talking about comparisons to his father, he says, “He excelled in comic roles. I want to try a variety of characters. People who have seen Ninaivil Ninraval say that my wait was well worth it. I wouldn't want to be typecast in any particular genre and will always look for interesting scripts.”
Right moves
An accomplished Bharatanatyam dancer, Simha did complete justice to her role in Eesal with apt expressions and graceful dance moves. The actor who is in her late teens and based in Salem has decided to complete her education before taking up films full time. Simha is doing a Bachelor's course in music and dance through correspondence even while perfecting her acting skills. “Since childhood, I have dreamt of acting in films. Thanks to director Vijay Aditya, I got the chance to play a good role in Eesal . Now, with the help of my mother, I keep rehearsing various movie sequences at home to hone my acting and dancing skills, so that, when another opportunity knocks, I will be ready,” says a confident Simha.
Love and laughter
K aandham is Tej's third film after Kaathalukku Maranamillai and Konjam Veyil Konjam Mazhai . Rakshmi keeps him company in this film that has a good dose of humour what with Pandiyarajan around. Says Tej, “I have both romantic and comedy scenes. While shooting the comedy sequences, the unit had a great time. I am confident that the audiences will enjoy it too. Director V. M. Sharavanan has put together an interesting and racy script.”
