Small wonder on the big screen
K. PRADEEP
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Child actor Malavika makes her roles stand out even in the company of thespians.
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Leading lady: Malavika.
Malavika was not overwhelmed. It was her first day on the sets of her debut film, ‘Karuthapakshikal.’ She made friends with Suhaila and Thejus, the other child actors in the film. Soon it was time for make-up. Once the job was over the
make-up man held a mirror before her. Malavika got the shock of her life. Her face was darkened beyond recognition. Malavika broke down.
State award
“Anyone would have done so isn’t it? I was not prepared for this at all. It took sometime for me to hold myself together,” recalls Malavika who won this year’s State Award for the best child actor for her performance in ‘Karuthapakshikal.’
Looking back, the class three student of Amrita Vidyalaya, Thrissur, feels that all the tough work she put in for the film was ultimately rewarded. She played the blind Malli, which is easily the highpoint of the film. “After that first shock, came the hassle of putting the artificial lens into my eyes. It was painful at first but gradually I got used to it. Soon, I knew how to put on the lens by myself.”
Camera, lights and crowds did not put off Malavika. She slipped into the role easily, with none of the usual debutant pressure. “Perhaps, acting in television serials helped.” Malavika was first seen on screen in ‘Krishnakripa Saagaram,’ directed by Rajasenan. A musical video ‘Punyadarshanam’ and another television serial ‘Sahadharmini’ featured her in significant roles before she got a call from director Kamal.
Malavika began learning dance and music quite early but often found classes interrupted because of her acting assignments. More than her parents, Sethumadhavan and Suchitra, it was her grandmother (Baby G. Nair) who really backed Malavika in everything that she did.
Malli in ‘Karuthapakshikal.’
The success of ‘Karuthapakshikal’ won Malavika the role of Rosa in the V. M. Vinu film ‘Yes Your Honour,’ and the serial ‘Punarjanmam.’ She is now loking forward to her new project.
“I will be acting with Mammooty Uncle in an English film titled ‘Last Night Beggar.’ This film, to be directed by Karthika, is expected to be shot in Chennai.”
Malavika plays the central character in this film that focusses on the plight of ‘child-mothers.’ What does the State award mean to Malavika? “Following the Asianet, Amritha awards, the State award is truly a huge encouragement. It gives me that extra energy to keep going.”
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