Ennennum looks into how immortality alters the dynamics of relationships, says Santhy Balachandran

Santhy Balachandran’s latest film, Ennennum (Now & Forever), screened at the International Film Festival of Kerala 2023. Set in a dystopian alternate present, the film explores the idea of immortality, and how it alters the dynamics of relationships within society as well as between individuals. The film is directed by Shalini Ushadevi, who wrote the screenplay for Suriya-starrer Soorarai Pottru, along with Sudha Kongara.

Malayalam actress Santhy, whose portrayal of Linda in Paapam Cheyyathavar Kalleriyatte and Sophie in Jallikkattu won her praise, also made her OTT foray with Disney+ Hotstar's Gulmohar in Hindi and the Tamil series Sweet Kaaram Coffee, which is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

Santhy talks about her experience working with visionary filmmakers like Shalini and the value of OTT platforms in the modern era in an interview with OTTPlay.

How was your experience working for Ennennum?

I feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of this ambitious and interesting project. In 2019, I went through an audition to play Devi in this movie. However, the production work was hampered by the COVID-19 situation and lockdown; filming started in January this year. This film presents both a macro and a micro view of how immortality might impact relationships. In the film, the notion of living together "forever" is taking on reality, and Ennennum portrays the emotional fallout.

Shalini is an excellent filmmaker, and working with someone who is so clear about what she does was incredible. The actors were able to build chemistry with each other through the workshops she conducted. Everyone who collaborated on the project brought good energy and it was one of the nicest sets I have been on. I am curious to know what the audience thinks of our film.

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It's been a while since you worked on a Malayalam film. Is there any reason behind such a gap?

I would love to work on more projects, but it depends on two things. One, a filmmaker must choose to cast you or approach you with an offer. Second, the project or the character must connect with you. You are taking a leap of faith whenever you agree to be part of a film, so I prefer to approach it from a place of conviction. The gap between films is not deliberate, it’s just that these two factors haven’t aligned as much as I would like.

Box office success makes a difference to the pool of opportunities you are presented with. That said, every film that I have worked on — successful or not — has contributed to my journey as an actor.

Your previous releases were on OTT. In what ways, in your opinion, has this platform benefited filmmakers and artists?

The audience's viewpoint and preferences have evolved as a result of OTT platforms. Because of the variety of content available on these platforms, users can select what they want to watch from the comfort of their own homes. Individuals are experimenting with different genres and straying from their go-to favourites.

These platforms have also brought in diversity in casting, and are helping artists explore opportunities in different languages. Being a part of this phase is exciting because you never know when you might get called to play a character in a Bengali movie or in any another industry. Gulmohar and Sweet Kaaram Coffee, which were OTT releases, allowed me to work with some amazing crew members from across the country as well as some veteran artists.

For actors, working in a series is rewarding since it allows us to spend more time with the character and explore the subtleties of their journey.

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How does it feel to be a part of IFFK?

I feel at home at IFFK. It’s my fourth film to be featured at the festival. In fact, yesterday a Facebook memory popped up about my first film — Randuper — which was in the international competition in 2017. It is a privilege to be here because IFFK attracts a very cinema literate audience. During the Q&A sessions, they share their point of view, allowing you to view your work differently.

It is always an exciting thing to experience as the audience might take away something you hadn’t considered. IFFK has consistently provided a platform for discovering new films, their creators, and artists. Isn’t it wonderful to watch and feel connected to a story that is happening at the other end of the world? This is possible through such events.

What are your upcoming projects?

I am working on a Malayalam series directed by Krishand that will be streaming on SonyLiv.

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