Esther Anil recalls how fans still called her ‘Drishyam papa’ after she moved to Mumbai

Esther Anil once opened up about how ‘Drishyam’ continued to define her life years after its release. The actor, who played Anu in the 2013 Malayalam thriller, said fans still recognized her as “Drishyam papa” even after she moved to Mumbai for college.

Esther Anil’s throwback memory from ‘Drishyam’

According to Gulf News, Esther was only 12 when she played George Kutty’s younger daughter in ‘Drishyam’. The film became a major success and was later remade in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, Sinhalese, and Chinese.




Speaking about life after the film, she said, “The reason to move to Mumbai was to experience a life of my own and be away from the public glare, but not a day passes without someone recognising me as Drishyam papa.”




She added, “I am often surprised that Mumbai residents recognise me and come up to me to confirm their doubt. It’s the same story in college.”

Esther Anil on growing up after fame

Esther also recalled how her roommate found her face familiar before she revealed her film connection. “She could not help wondering why she found my face was familiar. I then revealed to her that I played the lead in ‘Oolu’,” she said.




Looking back at her early acting years, Esther said she did not fully understand ‘Drishyam’ while filming it. “I just followed the director’s instructions. It was only while watching the film in a theatre that I understood the story,” she said.




She also remembered working with Mohanlal in ‘Oru Naal Varum’ and said, “Lal uncle made it a fun experience.”




Esther later appeared in ‘Johaar’ and was also part of Santosh Sivan’s ‘Jack and Jill’. Her bond with ‘Drishyam’, however, remains the role audiences remember most.




Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”