Priyamani is set to return to Mollywood in an all-new avatar

She was only 18 when she stepped into tinsel town. Ten years down the line she has won accolades for her versatile performances and a National award too.

The bold and beautiful Priyamani is set to return to Mollywood in an all-new avatar opposite the young superstars of Malayalam cinema.

“Malayalis have accepted me with warmth and appreciation from the beginning. Be it Sona in Satyam, Malavika in Thirakatha or Padmasree in Pranchiyettan And The Saint they have appreciated me in all the roles,” says Priyamani with a bewitching smile.

The actress will mesmerise film buffs with Dr. Biju’s Painting Life opposite Prithviraj. “This is my sixth film with Prithvi. He is one of the finest actors and one I love working with him. It has been a long time since we worked together in our Tamil film, Ninaithale Inikkum. Being a fantastic actor and friend, he makes things easy for me. If you know the person you are working with things turn out better,” she smiles.

The actress is in discussions for another Malayalam film opposite a promising young actor. “I cannot reveal it right now!” she giggles.

Priyamani talks about her film Alice, a True Story directed by Anil Das, which turned out to be a damp squib at the box office. “I always ensure that the role I do has depth before signing any film. Alice was one such character, which had a lot to offer. I cherish it for the sheer experience of working with great people like Prathap Pothen sir. Acting as Alice, who had a psychological disorder, was really challenging.”

Bearing criticism with grace, the pretty woman says that any movie can become a box office hit, whether it is hero or heroine-oriented. “We cannot assume that female-oriented films fail to get the appreciation that it deserves. People have started accepting all kind of films now. The bottom line is that the story should be good, and it should be well executed and the audience will definitely like it. The initial draw may be less for heroine-oriented films, but a good film appeals to viewers,” she explains.

The actress considers herself lucky to be cast opposite superstars of Mollywood and is all admiration for Mammootty and Mohanlal. “The bigger the star, the humbler they become. Or let me put it this way, the humblest of them makes it big. Mammukka is a man of patience. I learnt a lot from him during the shoots of Pranchiyettan And The Saint. Lalettan is a very dedicated actor and an equally jovial person. He makes us so comfortable with his warmth and charm,” she says enumerating their virtues.“Now I am waiting to work with next-generation stars like Dulquer Salmaan, Kunchacko Boban, Nivin Pauly, Jayasurya and others…”

Talking about her ability to play both conventional and unconventional roles, the actress says that the glamour quotient of Malayalam films is different from Telugu and Tamil.

“People used to come and tell me not to do ultra modern roles as they see me as the girl-next-door. That attitude is now changing.

Malayalis have begun welcoming the modern look. It is important to work without inhibitions,” says Priyamani.

The actress reveals that she would love to do challenging roles. “I want to experiment with my acting by playing roles like Remya Krishnan did in Padayappa. I would like to play a despicable villain with grace opposite a strong hero. I also crave to be a part of an out-and-out comedy. It is tough to make the audience laugh!”