"Malayalam serial industry has lost its value, I wish TV channels give at least one slot for 'good' stories," says actor Subash Nair

Actor Subash, renowned for his role as Ananthan in 'Sthreehridayam,' needs no further introduction. The Malayali audience has developed a love-hate relationship with this handsome antagonist. Since the Doordarshan era, he has captivated viewers with his diverse portrayals, ranging from a cruel brother to a deceitful son and a ruthless politician. In an exclusive conversation with ETimes TV, Subash reflected on his 19-year journey in the industry, discussed his current character Rajendran in 'Swayamvaram,' and shared insights into the current state of the Malayalam TV industry in 2024.
Subash attributes his foray into acting to destiny, acknowledging that his background in marketing initially led him into the industry with the sole intention of financial gain.

"In those days, the serial industry was primarily reserved for seasoned actors from the film industry. Suddenly, someone who hadn't even participated in a single youth festival during school expressed a desire to become an actor. It wasn't fueled by passion, but rather the pursuit of financial gain. Despite facing rejections from numerous directors who bluntly criticized my acting skills, I persisted in seeking roles. Eventually, I landed minor roles like a mechanic or a face in the crowd. My breakthrough came with the opportunity in the show 'Kaliyalla Kalyanam,' where Maniyanpillai Raju was the lead. When I approached him for a role in his new show, he wasn't even aware that I played his brother-in-law in an ongoing series. Ironically, this meeting marked my entry into the industry," he recounted.
Over time, Subash emerged as one of the finest villains in the industry, with his portrayal of Ananthan in 'Streehridayam' setting a benchmark for villainous roles. Despite his success, the actor encountered a peculiar incident where he narrowly avoided getting hit by an elderly lady.
"We were shooting in the Veli area. I was standing near the coast when I noticed an elderly lady staring at me for an extended period. Despite my smile, she remained visibly upset and asked, 'Hasn't your father come?' I realized she was referring to actor Kollam Thulasi, who played my father in the show. Later, I observed her approaching me, and a young man rushed towards her, intercepting her path. He signaled for me to escape. It was then I saw a sizable stick in her hand, seemingly poised to strike me. Weeks later, encountering her again, I couldn't help but feel apprehensive, half-expecting a surprise hit from behind at any moment that day," he chuckled.

Despite enjoying a successful television career, Subash expresses disappointment that his long standing dream of making it in the movies remains elusive. He candidly acknowledges the persistent challenge faced by many talents, as the label of being a TV actor often acts as a hindrance in transitioning to the film industry.
"Previously, anyone who performed was considered an artist. However, now we have divisions – movie actors, and serial actors. I've experienced the bitterness of this divide during numerous auditions. After traveling to various locations, there were instances where I was told not to audition. It would have been more satisfying if they had critiqued my acting, but the sole reason for rejection was being labeled as a serial actor," expressed Subash.
Nevertheless, the actor emphasizes that he harbors no regrets about being in the TV industry, acknowledging that it serves as his bread and butter. However, Subash is critical of the recent developments and progression within the serial industry.
"Malayalam serials have lost their value. Despite viewers' love, the actors have diminished in importance. Unfortunately, the industry struggles to produce creative works, not due to a lack of talent, but due to insufficient space. Producers and directors are pressed to churn out the maximum number of episodes in a day, leading to a focus on quantity over quality. They often bring in artists who merely mimic dialogue, completing the work for the sake of it. Regrettably, audiences seem to accept such sequences as representative of Malayalam serials," he said.

The actor added that only TV channels can take a stand and lift the industry to a better space.
"Channels share the blame as they resist new ideas or slice-of-life stories, demanding replication of successful formulas from other languages. They believe viewers are only interested in glamorous looks and melodramatic family plots, a perception I find untrue. For the industry to evolve, every channel should allocate at least one slot for good or classic stories. As artists, we are helpless in this situation, and I hope for a positive change soon," concluded Subash.
Presently, Subash Nair portrays the character Rajendran in 'Swayamvaram,' initially introduced as the affectionate brother but later unfolding as the antagonist in the storyline.