Rukmini’s character in ‘Oru Thekkan Thallu Case’ is well-rounded: Padmapriya

Actor Padmapriya who returns to Malayalam cinema after a hiatus speaks about what drew her to Rukmini’s character in ‘Oru Thekkan Thallu Case’

One of the factors that drew actor Padmapriya to Oru Thekkan Thallu Casewas her character in the film, Rukmini. A well-rounded female character is a rarity, especially when the character’s arc is explored outside the context of their relationship with the hero and there is a nuanced exploration of the relationship between the two women characters - Rukmini and Vasanthi (Nimisha Sajayan) - in the backdrop of anger and fighting. 

Oru Thekkan…, directed by Sreejith N , is her first Malayalam film in a while. Iyyobinte Pusthakam (2014) was one of the last Malayalam films she did, which had a prominent role. Most of the characters she has essayed so far, like most female characters in Malayalam commercial films, have seldom reached their potential, the development petering out at some point in the plot development. 

“Rukmini is an interesting character, she is Ammini Pillai’s (Biju Menon) wife but, as a character, she has her individuality. She is strong and bold, but there is a vulnerability in the female friendship space where she is protecting her younger friend Vasanthi. There are certain lines [to other female characters] that I have not said [in other films] before,” says the actor, praising the writing. 

This is the kind of film she would like to watch in a theatre; “The sound, art, the characters… all would make for a theatrical experience, the film is a genuine entertainer.” She confesses to initially not understanding the story because the narrative was “without the peaks and troughs of a regular film.” Seeing the 1980s - culturally, socially and politically - from the context of 2022 added to the experience.   

Being part of the film was interesting as she watched a first-time filmmaker create on a vast, visual canvas without compromises and cost-cutting. “Both director and producer were taking a chance - economically and creatively - in telling this story.” 

Returning to the visible space of films after some years of being in the ‘invisible space’ of doing work not related to films is making her nervous.

The years she has been away had kept her busy with her work first with the Centre for Policy Research and then with Sahapedia, both engaging different aspects of her interest.