Actress Jyothika’s new film Kaatrin Mozhi, a remake of B’town hit Tumhari Sulu, is hitting the marquee on November 16. Directed by Radha Mohan, who gave the award winning film Mozhi and produced by Dhananjeyan, the entire team vouches that Jyothika’s acting is more intense than Vidya Balan’s in the original.
The bubbly actress, who was visibly excited, speaks to DC in an exclusive while wishing readers a very happy, prosperous and joyous Deepavali.
Challenges involved working in remakes
Acting in remake films is always a huge challenge. It’s because, usually hit movies are remade and we have a huge responsibility to perform well. Especially, a film like Tumhari Sulu, where Vidya Balan ma’m has given a fabulous performance, the responsibility is much heavier. I have given a fresh approach.
My mom, mom-in-law are my inspiration
I play a character named Vijayalakshmi, a middle call housewife who is ambitious who turns popular video jockey by her sheer perseverance. Both my mom-in-law whom I call ‘amma’ and my own amma are inspirations for all my characters. My mom has taught me how to stay strong and my other amma has taught me the value of a family, togetherness and adjustments in family. How to stay balanced.
Teaming up with Radha Mohan after 10 years
It was like the magic repeated once again. The same positivity and same first and lengthy shot! Among the directors I had worked so far, my chemistry has worked best with Radha Mohan sir.
On father-in-law Sivakamar
He is a very good critic. He goes to the theatres to watch all my movies post my re-entry, he gives me his honest feedback.
How different is Jo from 36 Vayadhinile and Magalir Mattum
Vijayalakshmi is more hyper and vibrant, but wants to balance the family. There’s comedy as well. The husband-wife bonding is the highlight of the film. Vidaarth who essay my husband has done a great job. In around 55-60 films I have done, this is one film that was completely shot in air conditioned sets - thanks to producer Dhananjayan.
First time crooned for KM
Somehow, they felt my voice suited a certain song and I also agreed and sang it in Kaashif’s composition.
On Lakshmi Manchu
She was the life of the entire sets. She is a firebrand and keeps the sets so lively. It’s so nice to have women on the sets including my costume designer Poornima.
After Suriya, Ajith and Madhavan, it is Vidaarth
Though, I have done so many films, I was not comfortable with most of the heroes. The exceptions being Suriya, Ajith and Madhavan! And now, it is Vidaarth who was very comfortable to work with.
KM is a treasured movie of my career — Vidaarth
Vidaarth who looked blissful said, “My dream of working with Radha Mohan sir has come true now. Working with Jyothika ma’m has been something that I had never imagined. I did a small role in Magalir Mattum, where we shot for half a day. When I went back home, my wife asked me why I didn’t click a photo with her. My Mom and wife happen to be her great fans and that made them ask so. But now to work with her in a movie is a big dream come true. Actually, the first day shooting involved a lengthy dialogue. I was so nervous to perform the scene with Jo madam next to me. But, much to my relief, she made me comfortable. When it comes to choosing movies, I always love to have a long list of good quality movies, which I preserve, in my home library. I can proudly show it my children. Kaatrin Mozhi will definitely be one of them.”
I was nervous sharing screen space with Jo — Lakshmi Manchu
Actress Lakshmi Manchu said, “Every moment in the film was a joy. I had been a great fan of Jyothika and working with her made me nervous in the initial days. She is someone who just gives her best with complete involvement. Chennai is always special to me as I grew up here. I am keeping fingers crossed that the film becomes a good hit and gains me more offers that I may get settled here forever (smiles).”
