The Malayalam audience have been treated to an altogether different side of the actor in
Anson Paul, in his films
Aadu 2
and the Mammootty-starrer
Abrahaminte Santhathikal
. While he essayed Anali Babu, a character with a negative tinge in Aadu 2, he showcased an intense role, that of Philip who defies his elder brother, in the latter. Anson is now basking in the acclaim he has been getting, making it loud and clear that he has finally managed to make a mark in M-town.
Tell us about your latest film Abrahaminte Santhathikal.The film gives importance to human emotions. It is about a conflict between right and wrong, and the assumptions that we are liable to make due to certain experiences in life. While we are all on a quest for the truth, what is right and wrong completely differ from person to person.
I play Philip Abraham, the younger son of Abraham in the film. He is a loving and loyal person and has great expectations from relationships. The strong bond between two siblings has been beautifully brought out in the film.
How has the response been, to your role and the film?It was beyond what I expected and I am overwhelmed by it. The response has been the same everywhere, there were even people who watched the movie more than twice. I am happy I was part of the film and also got a chance to act as Mammookka’s brother on-screen. Our bonding in the film was quite appreciated, especially the emotional scenes between the two characters that touched many families. A lot of my followers and friends on social media told me that their mothers liked my character.
How was it working with Mammootty?I have been an ardent Mammukka fan since childhood. However, it was completely different to work with him and just to be around his aura. Each of his aspects — be it his mannerisms or his persona — is worth admiring. His passion towards films and filmmaking left me in complete awe of him. I look up to him like a superhero and consider it a blessing to have gotten the opportunity to act with him. Though I was a bit nervous initially, all my apprehensions disappeared after I met him. He gradually makes you feel comfortable on the sets.
Another striking aspect that I noticed about him is that he keeps himself updated about what’s happening in social media. While we were shooting for the film, my previous movie Kala Viplavam Pranayam’s trailer was just out. When I mentioned it to him, he said he already knew it and made sure he watched it. He was kind enough to compliment me and give me feedback as well.
Though the image projected about him in public is that he can be quite intimidating, my encounters with him each time has only reinforced the fact that he is a very positive person. His humility and child-like attitude, while cracking jokes and talking to people, is what I liked the most. He also guided me as to how to go about my character Philip, which was a great support. I used to feel that he is someone whom I can depend on. Be it during dubbing or voice modulation, he used to always extend a helping hand.
You have also worked with his son, Dulquer Salmaan, in Solo
.Dulquer is quite supportive, and he and I get along very well. When I first got to know that I will be working with Dulquer, I wondered how working with a star kid would be. Meeting him and interacting with him left me surprised and made me think, how can he be so down to earth? He is quite loving and always treated me as an equal. After a while, we became like family.
However, it was after meeting Mammukka that I realised that this is where it all comes from. That said, when it comes to acting, both of them have different ways of approaching a story. I have been able to learn different things from them, whether it is in acting or how to stay grounded despite scaling great heights.
Your character in Aadu 2 also received a warm reception.Many told me that they could not recognise me or see Anson in the character of Anali Babu. They said that they have never seen me in such an avatar, which was very refreshing. This actually made me feel really happy.
Can the audience expect to see you in lead roles more often?Whatever be the role assigned to me, if I am able to leave a mark, I become the hero of the movie, and that is what matters, I believe. I want to essay characters with different shades. Even if it is a cameo, there should be something in the role that the audience can take back home.
What are your upcoming projects?I have not signed any films yet though I have been in talks for a few films. My next Tamil film is 90 ml, which has actress Oviya in the lead role. The shooting of the film is almost over.