PremiumExclusive! Aishwarya Lekshmi: I hope films like Archana 31 Not Out, Kumari make people think about societal ills
Aishwarya Lekshmi had two major releases in October – Kumari and Ammu
Last Updated: 10.53 AM, Nov 03, 2022
Aishwarya Lekshmi’s recent films such as Archana 31 Not Out, Ammu, Gargi and Kumari – though belonging to different genres – addresses the problems that women have to face. Her latest film Kumari also assumes another significance as the movie, which also deals with black magic, released at a time when the State was rocked by the human sacrifice case in Elanthoor, where two women were brutally tortured and murdered in an alleged occult ritual for prosperity.
Point this coincidence to Aishwarya and the actress tells OTTplay, “It is very unfortunate that this happened. When we were shooting Archana 31 Not Out, which talked about dowry and a lot of practices should have stopped a long time ago, the Vismaya death case was being reported. I am not trying to draw parallels, but I believe in a higher power and I hope that’s why films like Archana 31 Not Out and Kumari are relevant – at least to whomever the movies might connect with. I hope it at least makes one person think or starts a thought process.”
Kumari, which is helmed by Ranam director Nirmal Sahadev, is a horror thriller revolving around its protagonist who arrives at a village that is host to dark secrets and demons. The movie, which also has the actress as a co-producer, has Rahul Madhav, Shine Tom Chacko, Swasika Vijay, Surabhi Lakshmi, Tanvi Ram and Spadikam George in pivotal roles.
In a recent interview with us, Aishwarya also said that with the film, the team could also accomplish what they have all been preaching for the longest time – to give equal space to both men and women characters.
The actress, meanwhile, is next set to join the second schedule of Dulquer Salmaan’s King of Kotha, which is a gangster actioner. She is also part of Mammootty’s investigative thriller Christopher, which is directed by B Unnikrishnan and also has Amala Paul and Sneha as the other female leads.