Meaningful female character roles in recent Malayalam films

The scope of an actor lies in the characters they play in a movie. Other than the lead role, the supporting cast holds a huge responsibility in holding the film together in a convincing manner. Though there have been many memorable supporting characters in Mollywood history, performance-oriented female character roles are hard to find. Here we look at some outstanding character roles played by female artists in the recent history of Malayalam cinema.

Theatre artist Sajitha Madathil's role in Joy Mathew's socially relevant movie 'Shutter' is a rare character that offers immense scope for an actor to perform. Sajitha plays the role of Thankam, a sex worker in the movie. Sajitha portrays the character with absolute realism and her dialogue delivery and mannerisms stay true to the character. The carefree nature, innocent attitude, and the wisdom of femininity are expressed by Sajitha in the character. The actress won the second best actress award at the 2012 state awards for her performance in 'Shutter'.

'Chayilyam' directed by Manoj Kanna follows the life of a widow named Gowri who is idolised by her husband's community as the embodiment of the goddess. Set in the backdrop of traditional art form Theyyam, the movie closely follows the lead character Gowri, played by Anumol, and through her conscience and mental struggle to cope with societal pressure. Anumol's performance lifted the role to unbelievable realms. The internal dilemma of a woman caught in unfortunate fate was well expressed by Anumol, as she maintains the binary of strength and weakness throughout the movie.

The mysteriously woven 'Munroe Thuruth', directed by Manu PS, had theater artist Abhija Sivakal in a very peculiar character among a string of unpredictable characters in this award-winning movie. Munroe Thuruth, a psychological thriller follows the lives of Kesu, an eccentric youngster and his grandfather Achu, along with other characters surrounding them. The movie set in the backdrop of a sinking island, which is a metaphor that has influence in every character's behavior. Abhija plays the role of a maid working in the ancestral home of Kesu. Abhija portrays in her character many shades of femininity, and the deep psyche of a trapped woman who finally declares freedom from the world of manipulative men. The actress carried in her the character which demanded the paradoxical element - a key theme of 'Munroe Thuruth'.

Though a short presence in the movie, Kalpana's character Queen Mary, will stay forever in the hearts of any viewer who watched the movie 'Charlie', directed by Martin Prakkat. The image of the character played by Kalpana, that of an aged sex worker infected with AIDS, is sure to stay in viewers' mind. Kalpana perfects the role with her control over expressions which captures the plight of the character in its absolute sense. In the movie, Queen Mary jumps off the boat and commits suicide which ironically became the last scene in her career as the actress passed away, a month after the release of 'Charlie'

A silent yet powerful character, Andrea Jeremiah's portrayal of Anna in the movie 'Annayum Rasoolum' directed by Rajeev Ravi, saw one of the memorable performances by a female lead character. The helplessness and strength of the character were maintained by Andrea in the movie. Andrea lived the character that demanded fragility, but also a resoluteness for love. Andrea's on-screen chemistry with Fahad was exceptional, especially the silent exchange of glances between the two characters through which they communicated their love for each other. Andrea's silent presence in the movie creates a stinging pain.