Actress Nayanthara recently opened up about her early experiences in the film industry, sharing how she felt frustrated with Malayalam superstar Mohanlal while working together on the 2004 Malayalam psychological thriller Vismayathumbathu, directed by Fazil.
In a candid conversation, Nayanthara recalled her challenging days on the set, particularly during scenes where Mohanlal attempted to offer her advice. The film, which features Mohanlal as a character with a sixth sense who interacts with wandering spirits, was a significant project for Nayanthara, who was still establishing herself in the industry at the time.
Nayanthara shared how director Fazil, known for his meticulous approach to filmmaking, became upset with her during the shoot, feeling that she wasn’t understanding the nuances of her performance. “There was a day when Fazil sir got upset with me, and he was like, ‘I really can’t take it; you’re not understanding,’” Nayanthara recounted. She explained that, as a non-native speaker of Malayalam, she found it difficult to connect emotionally with the dialogue. “First of all, I don’t think in Malayalam, and cinema language is different from the language that we speak,” she said.
The actress then recalled how Mohanlal, in an effort to guide her, repeatedly told her to generate emotions from within. However, this advice only led to frustration. “Mohanlal sir kept telling me, ‘Nayan, you have to generate emotions from within.’ He kept on saying that, and I got so annoyed,” Nayanthara revealed.
In a moment of exasperation, Nayanthara responded to the veteran actor, saying, “Sir, I don’t even know what I’m doing. I don’t even know what dialogue I’m saying. You’re telling me to come stand on this mark, shed a tear at this word, fall in love at that word. What are you asking me to emote from? I don’t have anything inside me. There is nothing inside me. There is only fear inside me.” Despite the intensity of her outburst, Mohanlal responded with humour, laughing it off and suggesting she take a break.
Nayanthara also recalled how director Fazil, disappointed with her performance, took a moment to support her. After she sat alone for two hours, Fazil approached her and expressed his belief in her talent. He reassured her, saying she couldn’t be a failure and asked her to rest for the day, returning the next day with renewed energy.
Vismayathumbathu, which was based on the French novel If Only It Were True, became a notable film in Nayanthara’s career. Despite the early challenges on set, Nayanthara’s performance in the film helped solidify her position in the Malayalam film industry.