When I do a Malayalam film again, I want it to be a comeback: Sshivada

Actress Sshivada has wrapped dubbing for C Prem Kumar’s upcoming Tamil film, in which she is paired with Fahadh Faasil. The actress says she was thrilled when the opportunity came her way, having admired the filmmaker’s work for years. “I was very excited. I had met him (Prem) a couple of times before this, but was always hesitant to ask for a chance. His films stand out and I love them as a viewer. His films connect well with the audience and, by the end of the day, there is always something to take away. It was his co-director Kannan who first called me for the film. My initial questions were all about whether I needed any preparation for the character. I said an immediate yes,” she states.'Prem sir gives an actor complete freedom'For Sshivada, the experience was memorable not just because of the film, but also because of the atmosphere on set. “What I particularly enjoyed was the way the entire team worked together. He is a great technician and a wonderful human being, and his rapport with everyone on set is lovely. He had come home to narrate the story while he was on his way back to Chennai. Apart from the film itself, the way he interacted with my family was special and made me feel comfortable immediately. He gives an actor complete freedom. If we do something good, he goes, ‘Wow, wow...’ and that is very rewarding as an actor.”'Fahadh improvises with every take'Sshivada plays Fahadh Faasil’s wife in the film and says she was impressed by the actor's approach to acting. She had first met him on the sets of Fazil’s Living Together. “After a few random meetings after that, we saw each other again only during this film's puja. Undoubtedly, he is a great actor and very nice to work with. What amazes me is that he improvises with every take and gives you something new. You can never guess what he is going to do next. It was wonderful sharing screen space with him, especially in a Prem Kumar project,” she says.'You will see a different Prem sir and Fahadh'While she is tight-lipped about the story, Sshivada stresses the film marks a departure from Prem Kumar’s earlier films, 96 and Meiyazhagan. “When I heard the script, I was expecting something like 96 or Meiyazhagan, but this is a completely different genre, packed with action — unlike the films Prem sir has done so far. You will see a different Prem sir in it. Even Fahadh is seen in a different avatar. I saw some of it during dubbing and I feel it has come out really well,” she shares.'All my Tamil film characters had something to explore'Sshivada also feels that Tamil cinema has given her more opportunities to explore different kinds of characters. “All my Tamil film characters had something to do, something to explore. I am not blaming anyone, but I have been typecast (in Malayalam) as the ideal person, a motivator, a good wife, etc. The one exception was probably Shikari Shambu towards the end. So, as of now, I am only listening to scripts in Malayalam and haven’t committed to anything yet. When I do a Malayalam film again, I would rather it be more of a comeback. And I look forward to that.” She adds, "In Tamil, the characters I am doing now and the ones I have lined up give me the chance to explore as an actress. I like seeing myself that way. As an actor, the Tamil industry is satisfying me more now."Apart from Prem Kumar's film, Sshivada has a Tamil web series awaiting release, in which she shares screen space with Sathyaraj, Bhagyaraj and Aishwarya Lekshmi. She has also done a guest role in Dharani Rajendran’s next and is currently shooting for Per Sollum Pillai, starring Kavin and directed by Ram Sangaiah.Get the latest Bollywood & Entertainment News, and more. Download the TOI app.Give your child the gift of confidence! Claim your exclusive TOI Masterclass spot today!