Exclusive! Anna Ben: My characters in Helen and Naaradhan are all real women whom we don’t see in cinema often

It was hardly surprising when Anna Ben was adjudged the Best Actress at last year’s Kerala State Film Awards for her performance in Kappela. With every film since her stellar debut in Kumbalangi Nights, Anna has been going from strength to strength, not only by picking the right roles but also performing them to perfection. Her next outing as Shakira Mohammed in Aashiq Abu’s Naaradhan promises to pack as much punch as her previous roles in Helen and Sara’s.

In a quick chat with OTTplay ahead of the film’s theatrical release on March 3, the actress talks about her roles in Naaradhan, Night Drive and the kind of films she wants to be part of.

Aashiq Abu is a filmmaker that a lot of young actors want to work with, because the kind of films that he makes have always stood out. How was it collaborating with him at such an early phase in your career?

As you said, working with Aashiqettan is something that is there in every actor’s wishlist. In fact, he was the reason that I got Kumbalangi Nights; I applied for the film after seeing his audition call. So, it was like a ‘nimitham’ (a good sign). I was extremely excited when he called for Naaradhan. I had once told him that I would love to work with him and that happened with this movie.

The character that you play in the film has references to some outstanding woman journalists in Kerala. What can you tell us about your role?

I have been told not to reveal much about my character. I can tell you Shakira is fierce, focused and a kick-ass character. I am so blessed I got to do something like that. I was actually nervous to play the character because she’s strong and straightforward. Everyone calls her Kochu; she looks small but she’s an extremely strong person.

The characters that you have played in movies such as Helen, Kumbalangi Nights and Sara’s were all strong-willed women . How different is Shakira from them?

Be it Baby from Kumbalangi Nights, Helen, Sara or Shakira, t hey are all real women, whom I sometimes feel that we don’t see in cinema often. I have seen these people in real life. When you do such characters, it connects to people better. That’s the best part and also the common link. Even though they are different, the common factor is that they are very real people.

A lot of artistes say that it takes a lot of time for strong woman characters to find them. But you seem to be landing them one after the other, almost as if they are written for you. Do you feel the same?

I don’t think they are specifically written for me or anything. I see a lot of my friends from the industry doing such characters. Yes, there’s a bit of luck that some things find you, but when you are also focused on doing such roles, they come to you after a point.

You also have Vysakh’s Night Drive coming up. It’s also the first time that you are working again with a co-star, Roshan Mathew in this case, but in totally different roles. It’s again not the kind of movie you have come to expect from Vysakh, who is known for ‘mass’ entertainers. Was it breaking new grounds for all of you?

It was uncharted waters for him and us, to be honest. Compared to the movies that Roshan and I have done, Night Drive delves into a different genre and style of making. It’s a varied experience for Vysakh uncle because it’s not a large-scale film with ‘mass’ stunts and everything. It’s neither a realistic nor a ‘mass masala’ movie; it’s somewhere in the middle and fans of both types of films can enjoy it. The second half is pacy and it does have a bit of action and romance. It’s a commercial entertainer, which I have never done before.

The success of Kumbalangi Nights, Sara’s, Kappela and Helen on OTTs has also won you recognition on a pan-Indian level. Are there offers coming in for OTT projects from outside Kerala?

Actually, I am open to all of these – OTT releases, theatricals or films in other languages. I just want to collaborate with people who love cinema as much as I do. When I travel, I get to hear a lot of non-Malayalis talk about Malayalam cinema; they are all watching it, which is wonderful. Thanks to OTTs, our small films including Kappela and Helen are getting a massive reach.

What are your upcoming projects?

I am currently shooting a film titled Trishanku, which has Arjun Ashokan in it and is directed by debutant Achuth. It’s produced by Matchbox Pictures, which had backed Andhadhun. Also, Kappa is another big film that I am looking forward to. It’s probably my biggest yet considering everyone involved. It’s a movie produced by FEFKA and it is directed by Venu sir, who is again a filmmaker who has been on my wishlist.

Also read: Exclusive! Aashiq Abu: As an artiste, where you stand in your art matters more than your political affiliation