Jayam Ravi Shares His Love for Malayalam Cinema and Upcoming Projects in Exclusive Interview

# Jayam Ravi / Siraj Kasim 01 October 2023, 07:47 AM IST Jayam Ravi | photo: mathrubhumi

“Look, what do you say in Malayalam for hair to stand up like this?” asked Jayam Ravi with one hand caressing the other hand, there was a sea of ​​emotions on his face. Jayam Ravi smiled as he felt it when he answered the question with ‘thrill’. “Malayalam cinema is so beautiful. I have been thrilled to see some movies. Acting in Malayalam has always been one of my biggest dreams.” Jayam Ravi was very vocal about Malayalam cinema when we met him at Ernakulam Crowne Plaza Hotel. Jayam Ravi, who came to Kochi as part of the release of the new movie ‘Iraivan’, talks to ‘Mathrubhumi’ sharing details.

The twenty-first century of psychology

I have played a very different role in my film career. When director Ahmed came to me with the story, the first thing I asked was what I could do differently. After listening to the whole story, I got the correct answer. I play the role of a police officer who kills criminals in encounters without letting them escape through the loopholes of the legal system. The film exposes both the psychology of a killer and the psychology of the investigating officer who pursues him. I believe that is the core of this film. Another level of psychology seen in movies like Rakshasan and Vettayaad Valaiyaad has been worked in this. After the film Thani Oruvan, this is also the film where Nayanthara and I will be together.

Jayam to eleven

The movie Jayam opened my career. It is a joy that the whole of the later era is known by the name of that movie. What people call Jayam Ravi is something that I have consciously accepted. At the same time, the main thing that I have noticed while coming from the first movie to the current movie is something else. That question is ‘what has changed and what has not changed’. I have changed as much as possible for the characters in each film. However, with the success of the film, there has been no change in my personal life and character. Every time I do a film, I approach that role thinking that it is my first film. Because every movie is a lesson. The easiest way to make great movies is to keep innovating ourselves.

Nayantara and Bhavana

I consider myself very lucky to have had the opportunity to work with the best actresses from Malayalam. Nayanthara is a very professional actress. The professionalism and energy the co-star gets while acting with them is immense. Bhavana is another actress who is my favorite from Malayalam. Bhavana is someone who can act very naturally without any preparation. She has been seen trying to work hard to the max if the character requires it. It has been amazing to see Asin taking care of his career in such a professional manner. Asin’s attention to detail in make-up and clothes is immense. Asin does not hesitate to take any number of retakes until he is satisfied. I feel honored to see the time and effort they put into it.

Thiruvananthapuram Film Festival

Cinema is a great lesson that is never learned. Thiruvananthapuram International Film Festival played a big role in enlightening my cinema sense. I have been to Thiruvananthapuram several times to attend IFFK. In those days, I was not famous at all, so I could come and watch movies like a normal person. I have always been a fan and student of cinema. The days spent in Kerala as part of the Thiruvananthapuram Film Festival were interesting. Whenever I come to Kerala, I prefer to go to the coastal area. The coastal beauty of Kerala is not enough.

Ponniyin Selvan and Mani Ratnam

It would have been the biggest loss of my life if I had not been able to act in Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan. Acting in a historical film and making the character successful is not an easy task. There will be no clear information about how people lived and how they behaved in the past. Rajaraja Chola, who ruled the Chola Empire in the 10th century, is their king to the Tamils. When I become that character, Tamilians will not forgive even a small flaw. The pressure was natural to play a role that no one had done in the last thousand years. But Mani Ratnam sir always told me to try to live and visualize like Rajaraja Cholan. He took me into the character like taking a small child by the hand and taking him on a journey.

Kilukum, Ayyappan and Koshi

Malayalam cinema has always been my favorite place. How much I enjoyed watching movies like Kilukum and Thenmavin Kompath. How interesting is Mohanlal’s acting in all these movies. I saw the Malayalam movie Premam and when I saw the movie Lucifer I thought about the diverse world of Malayalam cinema. I am very thrilled with the movie Ayyappanum Koshiyum. There is such a wide variety of subjects elsewhere than in Malayalam. Even in Malayalam comedy scenes, the dedication and talent of the actors is immense. I was really thrilled when I saw some Malayalam movies. Therefore, acting in Malayalam is one of my biggest dreams. My wish is to come to Malayalam as soon as possible with the best character.