I felt affection for the character of ‘#Home’s’ Oliver Twist: Malayalam actor Indrans

He talks about becoming the technologically challenged Oliver Twist and of learning new things in the bargain

Oliver Twist in Rojin Thomas’#Home does not have a smartphone and when he finally does get one, it unleashes a series of goof-ups that impacts his award-winning filmmaker son’s life adversely. Indrans as Oliver Twist conveys the confusion of a ‘not-so extraordinary man’ (as his son reminds him) in his 60s who does not know technology or social media, and therefore cannot connect with his always-on-their-smartphones sons. The actor reminds you of your parents as he wrestles with technology and video calls. “I was just doing what the director asked me to. Some of it is my story. All of us, especially those closer to my age, have had these experiences with smartphones and constantly evolving technology,” says the actor over the phone. He loved the script and could not wait to start filming, he confesses. The film was shot last year when lockdown restrictions were eased for filming. The portrayal has won praise for Indrans, who was awarded the Kerala State Film Award for best actor (2018) for his portrayal of an Ottanthulal artist, Pappu Pisharody, in Aalorukkam. The 40-year journey for Indrans (Surendran K) from his first role, a minor one in Choothattam (1981), to the lead actor of a mainstream Malayalam film (planned for a theatre release) has been rewarding.