In Conversation With Subhash K Jha, Malayalam Actor-Director Dileesh Pothan talks about his brilliant performance in the hard hitting drama Ronth, which is the talk of the nation. He speaks on playing this very dark character, about the making Ronth and what is next, more acting roles or directing his next film.
Ronth proves you to be a formidable actor, so which vocation really owns you, direction or acting?
I find immense joy in being a director, in bringing a story to life from behind the camera and guiding actors to embody their characters. To be honest, acting wasn’t always a passion of mine initially. In the early days, I saw it more as an opportunity for income when it came my way. However, as I took on more roles, I felt a growing sense of dedication and became increasingly invested in the acting process. Over time, I discovered a genuine enjoyment in acting, too.
So acting takes precedence at the moment?
It’s only been in the last couple of years that I’ve consciously focused on dedicating myself to my characters and building confidence in my performances. While I now thoroughly enjoy the process of acting, there’s still a part of me that finds greater fulfillment in the collaborative aspect of filmmaking, in helping others bring their characters to life. So, if I had to choose, I would say my heart truly lies in direction, in the art of crafting the entire narrative.
What sort of characters attract you as an actor?
With my newfound confidence in acting, I find myself particularly drawn to characters that offer greater depth and complexity. If compelling roles with substantial layers come my way, I definitely possess the passion and ambition to fully immerse myself and bring them to life on screen. It’s an exciting prospect, and I look forward to exploring such opportunities.
<Ronth features you as a cop on night patrolling. How much research went into your preparation for the part?
Portraying Yohannan, the night patrolling cop in Ronth, involved a learning process that drew upon various sources. Interestingly, the groundwork for understanding the police department’s inner workings was laid during the making of my directorial venture, Thondimuthalum Driksashiyum.
How did that happen?
For that film, I spent a significant amount of time at a police station, carefully observing the officers, learning about their routines, and listening to their personal accounts. That research proved invaluable in approaching my role in Ronth, particularly when it came to depicting the night patrolling process, handling minor cases, and interacting with the public. I essentially followed the patterns I had observed back then. Furthermore, we had an incredible resource on the set of Ronth.
What was that incredible resource?
Our director, Shahi Kabir, who himself was a police officer for many years. I closely observed him, constantly asking questions and learning from his personal experiences. Our team also included several other individuals with backgrounds in law enforcement, and my interactions with them provided major insights into the nuances of police work. Finally, in shaping the character of Yohannan, I also drew inspiration from a few acquaintances in my own life, contemplating how they might behave if they were in a similar role within the police force. So, it was a combination of prior dedicated research, the invaluable first-hand knowledge of our director and team members, and personal observations that informed my portrayal.
Almost all your sequences are with Roshan Mathew. How was your off-and-on-screen bonding?
My experience collaborating with Roshan Mathew on Ronth was quite rewarding. He’s a very dedicated actor, and our conversations, both during filming and otherwise, primarily revolved around our characters and the movie itself, keeping our focus sharp. Interestingly, we both come from a theatre background, which I believe contributed to our on-screen chemistry. Our combination scenes felt organic and interesting – at least, that’s my personal feeling. There was room for improvisation, and the emotional exchange between our characters seemed to work well, which was exciting.
What was Roshan like off-screen?
Off-screen, Roshan is also a fascinating individual. His curiosity about life and his passion for cinema are both equally admirable. It was a pleasure to work alongside someone with such a vibrant and inquisitive spirit.
Why do you think there are so many police procedurals coming from Malayalam cinema?
I believe the prevalence of police procedurals in Malayalam cinema stems from our industry’s general inclination towards realistic storytelling. These kinds of narratives, with their inherent suspense and focus on the intricacies of police work, naturally lend themselves to thrilling and engaging cinema when presented with authenticity. That realistic approach has become something of a hallmark of Malayalam films. Another significant factor is the contribution of individuals with firsthand experience in law enforcement, like Shahi Kabir, who not only directed ‘Ronth’ but has also penned the scripts for several other successful films, drawing from his many years as a police officer. Similarly, we have writers like DYSP Sibi Thomas, who brought his expertise to Kuttavum Shikshayum (directed by Rajeev Ravi). This creates a direct pathway for those who have served in the police to contribute their expertise, bringing an invaluable layer of realism and detail to their projects. Their lived experiences naturally translate into more credible and compelling narratives.
What do you think of the breed of interesting actors who have emerged from Kerala after Mohanlal and Mammootty?
It’s certainly an exciting time for Malayalam cinema with the emergence of a fresh wave of incredibly talented actors following the iconic contributions of Mohanlal and Mammootty. We’re seeing a diverse range of performers who have unequivocally proven their acting prowess. While it’s true that only a select few have managed to achieve widespread market recognition thus far, I have strong faith that these actors will progressively gain more prominence and establish their own strong footing in the industry. In my opinion, the Malayalam film industry is currently rich with talented performers, perhaps even more so when compared to some other regional industries in India. There’s a distinct quality in their approach to character portrayal and a willingness to take on challenging and unconventional roles that makes them particularly interesting to watch. This new breed of actors is bringing a unique energy and perspective to our cinema, and I’m eager to see how their careers evolve and the new paths they will forge.
We haven’t seen you return to direction since the brilliant Joji, when is that happening?
I am actively working on my next directorial project. It is currently in the writing phase, and I am hoping to have it completed by the end of this year, with the aim of starting filming sometime next year. It’s a process I’m deeply involved in right now, and I’m excited about bringing this new story to the screen.
In Ronth, you play a dark traumatized character, is it hard to snap out of such a character?
Portraying a dark and traumatized character like the one in Ronth certainly has its emotional demands. As an actor, delving into such depths can leave a lingering impact, but I wouldn’t say it haunts me long-term. During the shooting itself, particularly with long days and sometimes sleepless nights, there’s definitely a level of stress involved. It’s possible that my mental state might not feel entirely normal while embodying such a character. However, once the shooting wraps up, I find I’m generally able to step away from it. The process of acting is intense, but ultimately, it’s a role that I can leave behind when the film is done.
