A supportive audience pushes you to make unconventional choices: Roshan Mathew

After being screened at several festivals across the globe, multi-lingual Paradise is now releasing in India.

Darshana Rajendran: This is the best possible outcome for a movie like this. In Kerala, our photos are on buses and banners. That’s something we didn’t expect. Newton Cinema is doing this kind of promotion for the cause of cinema even though they are aware that people might not throng the theatres. In Kerala, we have had a bunch of massive entertainers which had ‘full house’ runs. Yet, this month, we have three small-budget movies – Ullozhukku, Gaganachari and Paradise – releasing. All three are different types of movies. The audience is giving all kinds of movies the space (to exist) and it’s very exciting to be part of that.

Roshan Mathew and Darshana Rajendran in Paradise.

How did you first react to Paradise’s script?

Roshan Mathew: Through Rajeev Ravi, who had shot Prasanna Sir’s previous film, he got in touch with me. When I read the script, I initially thought my role was similar to my character in Choked (2020). When I met Prasanna Sir in Kochi later, I realised the facets of a relationship that he wanted to explore were different. I was curious to know how he was going to do it.

Rajendran: Earlier, the couple was going to be a Malayali man and a north-Indian woman. They auditioned actors from Mumbai for the female character. At some point, they thought of having a Malayali female lead, that’s when I came on board. By then, the shoot was about to start. The first time I met Prasanna Sir was when we went to Sri Lanka for the shoot. Though the script had fewer lines for my character, I could see that she goes through a journey. It was amazing that the cast and crew from two countries had come together to make this movie.

As co-actors, you have worked together on several projects. What kind of collaborative energy do you both share?

Rajendran: We have collaborated in different capacities. Roshan has directed me once; we have done theatre together and been co-actors in movies. When we have free time, we do readings together. We’re kind of permanent collaborators. We have known each other from the beginning of our journey as actors. When we are working together, I know if anything is off, it would be called out and what’s good would be acknowledged. I value his feedback.

Mathew: I am always on my toes when I am working with Darshana. Early in the Paradise shoot, I knew she was on to something special in her discovery of the character. I had to take up the responsibility of not letting the film or her down. Also, it is inspiring when everyone around us, the cast and crew, are very good.

Darshana Rajendran in Paradise.

How do you feel as actors when several talented people such as Mani Ratnam, Rajeev Ravi and Sreekar Prasad are attached with an indie feature?

Mathew: When the crew is talented, it assures you that you are in the best hands possible. You have to just focus on your work. Not once did I go to the monitor and requested a playback to see what I had done during the shoot. I was convinced that if Rajeev and Prasanna Sir were okay with it, I don’t need to bother about it. I haven’t had the chance to speak with Mani Ratnam yet. But we know he really liked the film and wanted to support it. The spotlight that a movie like this would get by being associated with him is something I am grateful for.

Also Read | Paradise movie review: Darshana Rajendran, Roshan Mathew film is a masterclass in filmmaking

Many have called 2024 a great year for Malayalam cinema. What does it mean to you?

Mathew: This has got to do with the audience that’s watching Malayalam movies and not all of them are Malayalis. The movies which have done well are so diverse, from Aavesham to Bramayugam. Such a supportive audience pushes you to take risks and make unconventional choices. You are assured that if you get certain things right, you will be rewarded in some way.

Rajendran: I have always believed that it’s a blessing to be part of the Malayalam industry even when I was playing small parts.

Roshan Mathew says the audience in Kerala is giving all kinds of movies the space (to exist) and it’s very exciting to be part of that.

Do you see a difference between indie and mainstream movies, though those watching Malayalam movies lap everything?

Mathew: As an actor, I don’t see a difference even though every movie is different. Every time I stood in a long queue during the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival before the screening of an indie movie, I thought it was cool that a big crowd had turned up to watch it. However, when an indie film manages a theatrical release, I wonder where did all those people go. However, it is reassuring that we are beginning to notice some changes. It’s also heartening that independent movies are made in spite of several hurdles.