Jai Mahendran star Amith Mohan Rajeswari: 'OTT exposure is essential for us...' | Exclusive

Youngsters are increasingly familiar with Amith Mohan Rajeswari thanks to his role as Vishnu Radhakrishnan in Vaazha: Biopic of a Billion Boys, which is available for streaming on Disney+ Hotstar. However, the actor has been engaged in acting and filmmaking for almost 10 years. Amith discusses his next part in the upcoming web series, Jai Mahendran, and shares his views on criticism against him on social media for his performance in Vaazha in an interview with OTTplay. Jai Mahendran will be streaming on Sony LIV from October 11.

How were you approached for Jai Mahendran?

I have already worked with Srikanth, the director of Jai Mahendran. When the work of the web series began, I asked him whether there was any opportunity for me. A week after telling me there were not any, he called me and offered me a character. Not even thinking twice, I was ecstatic to join the team. The crew put together some amazing sets for this intriguing endeavor. 

Working with Sony LIV gives in a certain degree of exposure. What are your thoughts on the matter?

When it comes to publicity, OTT releases undoubtedly have advantages over theatrical releases. As actors, we need a broader audience, and online platforms help with that. I had a little role in the Sony LIV film. Krishand's Purusha Pretham. I was able to secure a second role in the upcoming film Parakramam thanks to this. Furthermore, when it comes to Sony LIV, viewers have high expectations for its original works and the quality of the content it gives. I hope Jai Mahendran proves to be a turning point for me as well.

Also Read: Vaazha Review: Anand Menen’s film is an impressive portrayal of the struggles and aspirations of boyhood 

Following its OTT release, the most moving scene in which you performed in Vaazha: Biopic of a Billion Boys has received mixed responses on social media. What are your thoughts about it?

I accept criticism in a constructive way because this work involves both good and negative feedback. Though I have acted in small parts in several films, Vaazha is the film that provided me with both, a breakthrough and a lead character. The acceptance I am getting after this movie makes me glad. Many viewers could relate to the part where my character had a heated conversation with his father. For me, it was a cathartic experience. That specific sequence is therefore extremely special to me, even in spite of all these trolls.

What are your upcoming films?

I am a part of a few upcoming Malayalam films such as Parakramam, Pet Detective, and Odum Kuthira Chaadum Kuthira. I have already completed filming my scenes for these films, and am now working on Naslen and Kalyani Priyadarshan's untitled project. In addition, I am writing my own screenplay for a movie. 

Also Read: Director Anand Menon: ‘This is why most of Vaazha's humour worked’ | Exclusive