'I love doing commercial entertainers'

Kavya Madhavan captured the hearts of Malayali film-goers as a child artist. She has been part of several hits since then and is being offered good roles recently after her performance in films such as Kamal's Khaddama and Priyanandanan's Bhaktajanangalude Sradhaykku. She makes sure, though, that she also acts in high profile commercial entertainers, just to keep a balance.

Right now Kavya is the heroine of Shafi's Veniceile Vyapari, in which Mammootty plays the hero, which is ironic given that she was a child artiste in Azhakiya Ravanan (1996) which had Mammootty and Bhanupriya in the lead roles.

In this interview, she talks about her role in the movie and how her career has panned out.  

What sort of role do you have in Veniceile Vyapari?

I feel that heroines are rarely in focus in superstar movies but Veniceile Vyapari is certainly not one of them. The movie is set in the 1980s and my character, Ammu, is the leader of a group of coir workers. She has some political interests and the workers listen to her. She starts a handicrafts business after a while and becomes quite successful in that as well.

What's it like playing Mammootty's heroine in the film?

I am playing Mammookka's heroine for the first time. Though I was the heroine in Ee Pattanathil Bhootham in which he was the hero, I wasn't paired opposite him. It has always been wonderful working with him and I have great memories about working as a child artiste in Azhakiya Raavanan, which had him playing the hero.

Veniceile Vyapari is also special as it is being directed by Shafi and it has been a while since I have worked with him.

Did your approach to films change after serious films like Khaddama, for instance?

I think there has been a significant difference in the kind of roles that are being offered to me after I took a brief break from films. I would say Khaddama is a landmark film in my career and I wish such films happen again.

I was totally involved in the film and it started affecting me after a while. It's probably easier for experienced actors to do such heavy roles with ease. It was a really great learning experience for me.

Bhaktajanangalude Sradhaykku was also a different kind of film, but it didn't get the same level of appreciation as Khaddama. What do you think was the reason?

The film was not marketed well. I think proper promotion is essential for the success of a film.

How do you select your roles?

I pick films based on how much the storyline and script influence me. Some filmmakers come to me claiming that the role they offer will fetch me an award! I would certainly like to keep a balance between commercial and serious roles.

I love being part of commercial entertainers and I was thrilled when my films China Town and Christian Brothers were playing in theatres around the same time as Khaddama and Bhaktajanangalude Sradhaykku.

As a viewer, what kind of films do you like?

I think just like any other viewer. I could watch films like Meesa Madhavan, Chandranudikkunna Dikkil, Classmates or Thilakkam any number of times. Of course, I like to watch serious films as well, but not repeatedly as I would watch a commercial entertainer.

Which was the most recent film in Malayalam that you wished you were in?

I never think that way about movies which I am not part of. I would like to watch movies as a viewer. I loved Traffic and Salt N' Pepper a lot. I don't watch too many movies in the theatre; I usually watch them when the DVD comes out.

Which is your next film?

Director Akku Akbar's film with Dileep as the hero.