Tamil actor Jyothika, known for her part in “Chandramukhi” and “36 Vayadhinile”, shared profound insights into her film career. Here she shed light on her experiences in the Tamil film industry and the inside dynamics. She also gave a shout-out to stalwarts like Kamal Haasan and Mammootty for their contribution to South Indian cinema.
Jyothika’s Resurgence After an 8-Year Hiatus
Jyothika took an 8-year break due to personal reasons, but when she got back, her choices were conscious. She desperately tried to avoid being typecast, she says. Despite breaking many barriers herself, Jyothika highlighted the scarcity of genuinely diverse roles for women. Especially in the Tamil film industry, as actresses age, options dwindle, and get pigeonholed to do certain types of roles. She also said that contrary to rumors and speculation, her commendable decision to move away from home is not because of Suriya.
Her relocation to Mumbai is just temporary. Her wish to explore Malayalam cinema stemmed from a quest for more nuanced characters and opportunities beyond the limitations she faced in Tamil cinema.
Jyothika Is Hungry for More and Venture into Malayalam Cinema
Jyothika wants ladies to leave the theatres with their heads held high, emphasizing the importance of shaping her career amidst industry constraints. As a part of her journey to battle the limitations of popular cinema, she aims to be part of movies that empower women. One such film is Jeo Baby’s “Kaathal—The Core,” where she starred alongside Mammootty. This film, centered around a homosexual man and a wife’s support, reflects her commitment to diverse roles. The movie was released on November 23, 2023. Kuwait and Qatar have banned the film due to its subject – homosexuality.
Jyothika Hails Mammootty as the “Real Hero”
While the film “Kaathal—The Core” makes for an intriguing watch as it deals with the topic of LGBTQ, Jyothika hails Mammootty as the “Real Superstar” for his fearlessness. This choice of exploring uncharted territories shows his commitment as an actor who strives for diversity. Her question to him as they met was, “Sir, how did you choose such a role?’ and his answer impressed her. Mammootty said, “Who is the real hero? Not someone who goes and beats up villains or acts in romantic scenes, but one who solves problems and fills gaps.” She also spoke highly of Kamal Haasan, who delivered meaningful storytelling and impactful performance in many motion pictures.
Jyothika got candid about having the jitters the morning of the shoot. Particularly if she is working in a language other than Tamil, she mugged up her lines. Her upcoming films include a supernatural thriller by Ajay Devgn, featuring R Madhavan. It marks her Bollywood comeback after 25 years.
