Saranya Ponvannan: From adorable mom to angry woman

When you think of on-screen doting mothers in K’town, the first person that comes to your mind is none other than Saranya Ponvannan. The actress even bagged a national award for playing Vijay Sethupathi’s caring mother in Thenmerkku Paruvakaattru. However, after playing mom to almost all the leading actors in Tamil cinema, Saranya will be now be seen in a role with grey shades in Achamindri. The movie, directed by Rajapandi, has Vijay Vasanth and Srushti Dange playing the lead with Radha Ravi and Samuthirakani in vital roles.

However, when we asked Saranya about her image makeover in the movie, the actress disagrees and gives her own explanation. “I do agree that my character  Jayalakshmi has a new dimension, which I have not attempted so far. And it’s a big transformation for me in my career. But she is a personality who thinks what she says is correct and wants to win at any cost. When you watch the film, you will know towards the end that what she says was indeed right.”

She adds, “Playing an adorable mother is a cakewalk for me. But this character is not my style. I really worked hard as I could not improvise. I was very director-dependent!” Director Rajapandi says that the movie, which deals with the inequalities in the education system, has been inspired by reports that appeared on various newspapers, “Everyone would have gone through this in their lives. The audience will connect with it instantly.”

Radha Ravi, who portrays the education Minister, also reveals that he would be seen in a subtle role — “It is not a political story. The court scene is the highlight of the film. Rajapandi is a very relaxed director and is capable of reaching great heights.” Praising Saranya’s work, he commented, “After Khushboo’s act in Chinna Thambi, (way back in 1991), I was literally stunned by Saranya’s performance in this film.”