Towards A Dream Journey
- 30 Aug 2017
- Sunaya
- Features
Actors Reba John and Arun Kurian open up in a hearty conversation about their entry into Malayalam films
For her, it was a matter of luck falling into her lap; while for him, it was the realisation of a dream. Actors Reba John and Arun Kurian found their way to stardom in the Malayalam film industry with a bit of hard work and a bit of goodwill from kind hearted souls. Reba first acted in the film Jacobinte Swargarajyam, directed by Vineeth Sreenivasan. She played the role of the love interest of the lead actor Nivin Pauly in the film.
Arun made his debut in the film Aanandam, which also saw a host of other new faces. It is produced by Vineeth Sreenivasan and directed by Ganesh Raj. It is also a film that brought about a trend of doing films with fresh faces in Malayalam cinema. Both Jacobinte Swargarajyam and Aanandam completed 100 days of successful run at the theatres.
While Reba talks about her upcoming work Paippinchuvattile Pranayam, Arun talks about his experience with the new release Velipadinte Pusthakam. The two actors open their hearts out about their unexpected journeys in Malayalam films, their phase as newcomers, and the changes that come with fame.
How did you enter the Malayalam film industry and how was the experience?
Reba: I used to participate in a lot of extra-curricular activities in school and college, and have won a lot of prizes. It was my uncle who came to know about the TV show Midukki, and suggested that I participate in it. It was a really helpful experience for me as I was the second runner up at the end of the show. It served as a platform for me to get noticed and I received many offers after this, but I was unable to accept any as I had to complete my studies. After some time, I did a few advertisements such as Dhatri Dheedhe Hair Oil. The casting director of this ad was the same for the film Jacobinte Swargarajyam. He told me about the story and asked if I was interested. As it was a stellar team of Vineeth and Nivin, I was definitely interested and signed the project. That’s how my entry into filmdom happened, quite unexpectedly. Acting in this film was a great experience and a fabulous launch for a newcomer like me.
Arun: After completing my graduation, I joined Whistling Woods College in Mumbai to do MBA in Media as I was interested in cinema. From there, I went on to assist Vishnu, son of director Shyamaprasad in advertisements. Around the same time, I sent my portfolio for auditions for movies but didn’t get any response. Later, my relative Joseph told me about a film by Ganesh and Anand C Chandran. I knew Anand beforehand, so asked him if I could assist him in the film in any way. But he said that they were looking for actors. That’s when I got the opportunity to send my profile to them and I bagged the role in the movie Aanandam in my third audition. It was a really good experience as majority of the cast was freshers. We shared a great camaraderie and have maintained our friendship even till this date. I am really grateful to Anandettan and Ganeshettan, who reposed their confidence in me that I could do it.
Arun, tell us about your experience in Velipadinte Pusthakam.
Once, during a casual conversation with Anil Abraham, the associate director of Aanandam, he told me about his next project, which was with Lal Jose and Mohanlal. It was the first time that the director and the actor were coming together for a film, and I wished if I could be a part of it. The same day, Vinod Shornur, who is Lal Jose sir’s friend and co-producer of Aanandam, called me and gave me the news that Lal Jose wanted to cast me in this film. It was a manasil laddoo potti moment for me! I play the character of Sameer, who is a brash urban youth. Working with Lal Jose sir was like entering an acting university, as I got to learn a tremendous amount from him. It was a shoot that lasted 70 days, so I was able to learn a lot from the several experienced actors that were there in this film. In terms of appearance, there is a major change as well, as in Aanandam, I was clean shaven; whereas in Velipadinte Pusthakam, I get to sport a beard. Also, I was asked to gain weight for the latter.
How was your experience with Mohanlal?
It was like a dream come true for me! My brother, Ruben is a huge Lalettan fan and I grew up watching his films. That’s when the desire to act in movies arose in me. On the last day of the shoot, I approached Lalettan and related this story to him. In response, he hugged me tightly and blessed me in his inimitable, characteristic style.
Reba, tell us about your upcoming film, Paippinchuvattile Pranayam.
My next film is Paippinchuvattile Pranayam, in which Neeraj Madhav plays a lead role for the first time. The story is based on the lives of a few families in the island of Thanthonni Thuruthu, an island in Kochi. It is a romantic comedy that gives a socially relevant message. I play the role of a girl called Tina, who grows up in a traditional way in the island. The film is the directorial debut of Domin D’Silva. It is a completely new crew and it was a fun experience with them.
This is an exciting time for Malayalam cinema which is seeing a lot of newcomers. How do you see the competition?
Reba: It is a great time for Malayalam film industry indeed, as it is opening up to so many new kids on the block. The competitiveness is definitely there, but it is a spirit of healthy competition. Ultimately, it is one’s hard work that pays and determines your future in the industry. I am looking forward to an opportunity in which I shall be able to exhibit my potential in greater depth.
Arun: The flooding of newcomers in the Malayalam film industry is definitely a good thing because it gives the directors a large pool of talent to choose from. Each of the newcomers has a unique style of their own, so it doesn’t come across as a competition for me.
If not acting, what career would you have chosen?
Reba: I do not have any film background. I always wanted to maintain my academics. I love teaching and if I wouldn’t be an actor, then I would definitely have been a teacher.
Arun: I graduated in B.Com and went on to complete my MBA. If I hadn’t entered the film industry, then I would have definitely taken up a conventional job in the corporate field.
What’s the best compliment you have received?
Reba: I receive a lot of kind words of encouragement on Instagram and Facebook, mostly from young people, asking me to act more in films.
Arun: Lal Jose sir told me that he quite liked my performance in Aanandam, and that I have a screen presence. He also advised that if I feel that there are any areas where I think I need improvement, I should start working towards it now. Coming from Lal sir, it is a huge compliment for me.
After Aanandam came out, I got a call from a man from Kottayam. He told me that he identified himself with my character Varun in the film. He was very emotional as he spoke and that rubbed off on me. It was a very moving moment.
Tell us about a crazy fan moment you have had.
Reba: Being outside Kerala, I didn’t expect to be known among the public even after doing my first film. But because the film was a success, I became famous in my college, and there were times when my juniors lined up to take selfies with me. It was quite overwhelming.
Arun: As part of movie promotions, I have visited many colleges, and the adulation I have received is tremendous. This kind of response is quite amazing. Also, I constantly receive messages on my social media pages, which makes me really happy.
What come to your mind when you think of Onam?
Reba: As my family is based in Bangalore, Onam celebrations are a huge thing out there. Certainly, the best part of the day that I look forward to is the Onam sadhya. My mom makes the sadhya really well, so I love it and look forward to it each year. Last year’s Onam was unforgettable, as after the success of Jacobinte Swargarajyam, I was invited as a guest to the Onam celebrations of the Malayali Association in Chicago.
Arun: Onam has always been a time of movie extravaganza for me – as I would look forward to the new releases in theatres, and even TV channels would be overflowing with new films. Apart from that, it is the Onam sadhya that is the best part of the day. However, this year’s Onam is the most special till now as my film Velipadinte Pusthakam, with my favourites Lalettan and Lal Jose sir, is releasing.
Words: Charishma Thankappan and Suhas KM Images: Jinson Abraham
