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'I'm lucky to get another movie with Mammootty'
After films like Pazhassi Raja, Bhagyadevatha and My Big Father, Kaniha is perhaps the hottest heroine in Malayalam cinema right now.
The engineer-turned-actor, who is now settled in the US after her marriage, has more reasons to smile as her latest release, Drona 2010, with Mammootty as the hero, releases on Wednesday.
Kaniha reveals more about the film, her career and her high profile film, Christian Brothers with Mohanlal to Meghna George.
You must be very happy with your dream run in Malayalam...
I am very happy [smiles]. This definitely is the best phase in my career not just because I have had consecutive hits, but because I am getting to work with great legends and portray versatile roles. So yes, I'm thrilled. It certainly feels good to be part of sensible movies, to play meaningful roles and also to experience success.
What is your role in Drona 2010?
I play Tulasimani, a role which I have always wanted to play. She is a very bubbly, talkative and innocent girl. I enjoyed playing her and especially speaking the Brahmanical language. It is a film that has a lot of suspense and mystery right from the start. Now that I have mentioned that it is a thriller, I can't say more.
'Shaji sir made sure I wore a big bindi in this film'
How was it acting opposite Mammootty again, after Pazhassi Raja?
There is always a lot to learn from Mammooka [as Mammootty is popularly known] who is an excellent human being. I felt very comfortable working with him. I guess I am really lucky to have landed a second movie with him. I see myself improving as an actor with every movie I have done with him.
You have a traditional look in Drona 2010. Was it tough doing the role?
I really love my look in Drona 2010. Although I have always done homely roles, this one is very special for me. Shaji sir [director Shaji Kailas] made sure I wore a big bindi in this film. Initially I would crib about it but when I saw the visuals of the movie, I really liked the traditional look. A very typical Kerala girl's look is what I have in the film. I never found it tough. In fact I enjoyed every bit of it!
'Working with Navya was a good experience'
Drona 2010 is a two heroine project, with Navya Nair. How comfortable were you sharing the screen with another heroine?
I have always been very selective and careful in choosing films. I have always done films where my performance and presence was recognized. All that has mattered to me in choosing films is the role that I play and how important it is to the script. Working with Navya was a good experience. We became good friends.
Which are your future projects in Malayalam?
I am doing Christian Brothers next. I will start shooting for the film soon. I am very excited to be working with director Joshy sir. I have a wonderful role in the film and I can't wait to start shooting for it.
I am also looking forward to be working with big stars like Mohanlal, Suresh Gopi and Dileep in the film. After this shoot, I will be returning to my home in DC. As always I prefer doing one film at a time and enjoy the best of both worlds!