Jayaram, the man of this Onam

By now Jayaram has changed from being a nice boy-next-door to perhaps the man everyone likes, at least on screen. And the Malayalam actor is not complaining.

After making a stunning comeback to his winning ways in Malayalam with Veruthe Oru Bharya last year, he has to his credit one of most sensational hits of the year, Bhagyadevatha.

Now he is ready with Kana Kanmani, the biggest release this Onam. Jayaram is confident that the movie will appeal to all who follow good cinema. In an exclusive interview to Meghna George, Jayaram talks about the film and more. Excerpts:

Akku-Gireesh-Jayaram team has proven to be a success with Veruthe Oru Bharya. Now they're back with Kana Kanmani. Expectations must be high...

[Smiles] Of course. Before starting the project, we discussed in detail whether we have to make a family drama again or attempt an entirely different subject.

It is natural to have high expectations when the same team comes up again with a new film. We were always aware about it and have chosen a genuine theme this time as well. I am sure that Kana Kanmani will live up to those expectations.

Do you have a message to convey through this film, like your team's earlier film?

I feel that Veruthe Oru Bharya was such a big success as virtually everyone could identify with its theme and the characters in it. Every household will have characters like its protagonist Sugunan. Men usually have this feeling that they are working really hard while their wives are having a cozy time back home.

But Kana Kanmani will appeal to all parents who love their kids. I can't reveal more as there is a suspense element in the story.

Is it mainly about the issues relating to the lead characters in the film, played by yourself and Padmapriya, as they belong to different castes?

We have seen quite a number of films where the lead characters face tough times as they belong to different castes. Such issues end with their marriages. In Kana Kanamani the theme is really different and the tense situations begin after the couple has a kid.

Bhagyadevatha has turned out to be a bumper hit. How special is it working with director Sathyan Anthikkad?

Sathyan Anthikkad is very successful as he knows the psyche of Malayalis and makes themes which are close to their hearts. His characters are the same kind of people who we see around us in real life. The problems that his characters face are the ones that we come across in our own lives. He does tremendous homework and takes his time before making a film. He is up-to-date and watches lots of films and interacts with people a lot. All these have worked in his favour.

You had a tough phase in your career before Veruthe Oru Bharya happened. You should now be relieved that you have made a very successful comeback?

Obviously I am very happy about it. Failures happen so fast and even before you realise its impact, things go from bad to worse. Good stories stop coming to you then. As it is often said, the value of money will be best known when we face poverty. Some of those films that came out in between were nice ones but even they couldn't find much acceptance due to many factors.

You are mostly seen playing 'homely characters'. Are you deliberately playing it safe?

Not really, I do have an occasional action and other experimental films. Recently, I had a double role in Rahasya Police, which was an investigative thriller. But yes, most of the filmmakers have presented me in really good characters which are so close to real life.

In fact, I think I have played the most number of characters wearing a mundu, among the current lead actors [laughs]. I am happy playing the characters that suit me the best.