Once upon a time, a tailor stitched his way into the heart of cinema, not just from the bottom but from the wardrobe. With theatrical flair and a smile that could charm grumpy old men, Indrans captured the audience’s affection. But wait—plot twist! Our protagonist decided to swap laughs for serious business. Films like Anjam Pathira and Aalorukkam reveal that he’s not just a jester in a fancy suit but a serious player on the cinematic chessboard. His latest endeavor, Aashan, directed by John Paul George, is another chapter in his quest to prove he’s more than just a comedic sidekick.
Let’s talk about the song “Kunjikkavil Meghame…” that sparked my curiosity about Aashan. Spill the beans, Indrans. What’s the film about?
Ah, yes, the film. Aashan is like a buffet of melodious tunes, not just “Kunjikkavil Meghame…”, but a full spread of songs that I wager will tickle the audience’s fancy. My character is the quintessential office-bearer of a flat association—picture a peacock in a suit strutting around, insisting things go exactly his way. As the story unfolds, we see Aashan reveling in his love for cinema, because why not? Let’s not kid ourselves; when the song went viral, people started asking about the film like it was the next big thing after sliced bread. If you recall, John Paul George directed Guppy and Ambili; now he’s at it again.
You’ve been trading your comedy chops for serious roles lately. Did your funny bone fall asleep?
Oh, I adore comedy! Making people laugh is like a shot of espresso for my soul. I’m always on the lookout for roles that let me flex my comedic muscles. But it seems the universe, in its infinite wisdom, has decided that I should tackle serious roles for now. After a few non-comedic roles made waves, casting directors started seeing me as the new ‘serious guy.’ But let’s be real—serious roles are a whole different beast. They require an emotional deep dive, and trust me, sometimes that heavy stuff lingers like an unwanted smell. While humor in films has evolved faster than a toddler on a sugar high, my affection for comedy remains as fierce as ever. Good comedy roles? I’ll take them without a second thought.
When you receive lead role offers, what’s your radar scanning for?
These days, everybody wants a piece of the Indrans pie for lead roles. If the story piques my interest during the pitch, I’m a yes-man. But oh boy, that decision has led me into some murky waters! At times, what seems scrumptious at first turns out to be a half-baked idea once filming kicks off. The excitement often fizzles out, and suddenly, we’re just trying to cross the finish line without putting anyone to sleep. Not all projects are like that, but after a wary start, I’ve learned to grill the producers about the plot, my character, and even the coffee served on set. I might even take a smaller role in a film with stars, just because I know it’s destined to reach the masses.
Your autobiography is about to drop. What prompted this literary venture?
Writing my life story was more of a group project initiated by friends. Initially, I trembled at the thought—my life has been a rollercoaster of struggles, poverty, and neglect that could put even the most riveting tale to shame. But as friends went all “You’ve got to share this,” I found my emotional support. Soon enough, I thought, why not? The pandemic forced me to reflect and write, and I was soon lost in a reverie of memories. Months flew by as I indulged in nostalgia, so much so that even my meals became a side quest. My autobiography, titled Indradhanus, crafted by the legendary Subhash Chandran, feels like a magnifying glass over my life. Though I still sweat bullets on big stages, the thought of sharing my story makes me feel oddly heroic.
Ah, and what’s this? You’re also dipping your toes in Tamil cinema. What’s cooking?
Indeed! I’ve just wrapped a film in Tamil directed by RJ Balaji, featuring Suriya. Fortunately, my character hails from Kerala, so navigating the language wasn’t like attending a foreign class. I’ve dabbled in Tamil cinema before, notably in Shankar’s Nanban. However, I can’t juggle multiple projects at once. Hence, I must pass on Tamil offers to keep my Malayalam commitments. Currently, I’ve got Ananthankaadu set to release, and I’m also dusting off my role as PP Shashi Aashan in Aadu 3 with Jayasurya. New projects? Well, there’s Run Mama Run with Suraj and a mysterious project with Adoor sir lurking around the corner.
