This is the first time Rima and I were together for scenes in such proximity: Parvathy Thiruvothu | Exclusive

Parvathy Thiruvothu, who was recently seen in the short film 'Lalanna's Song' opposite fellow actor and Women in Cinema Collective member Rima Kallingal, said she decided to be part of the film as she was impressed by director Megha Ramaswamy's vision. Parvathy, known for her exceptional work across various industries, also shared her insights into her character Shoby, in an exclusive interview with Onmanorama.

Lalanna's Song has travelled across several festivals. Now, it is streaming on MUBI. How has the experience been so far?
It has been amazing. Everyone who watched the movie had such a deep experience with it. And it now being on a platform like MUBI makes it accessible to so many and I’m elated about it.

In her interview with us, Megha said it was a deliberate decision to cast both of you in the film, because she has been following your work as actors and members of the WCC. What made you say yes to the project?
I said yes to it primarily because Megha’s vision and writing was unlike anything I’d heard before. I needed to see how I’ll mould myself in a landscape like that and how I’ll understand this character too.

Lalanna's Song is a strong depiction of several wrongs and religious and social oppression. In today's times, do you think it is difficult to make such films given the kind of censorship that exists.
I think we’re facing a significant amount of censorship these days and that’s very concerning. Some of the films that are getting recognition internationally aren’t allowed to be screened in our country, so yes it’s very disheartening. So yes, I can see filmmaker’s struggling.

This is your second collaboration with Rima on screen (after Virus) as artists. Apart from being colleagues, you guys are also friends. What is the give and take between both of you while doing scenes together?
This is the first time Rima and I were together for scenes in such proximity. I really enjoyed the ease with which we figured out together how to be those women and slowly explored the grey areas of their friendship.

There was a scene in the movie showing both Shoby and Miriam's reaction after the supermarket incident. This is a unique approach to filmmaking...
I remember thoroughly enjoying the way that scene was taken. Especially the double take at it. Although I wasn’t prepared for how deeply impactful it would be when the movie came out. This movie has surprised me in such amazing ways and that’s to say the way Megha wrote, explained and then put it together- is all quite unpredictable so it keeps you on your toes.

The film is a depiction of two deeply flawed individuals. What struck you most about your character?
How she deflects her pain and fear with humour and mockery. Until it doesn’t work any longer. When she’s really scared she is unable to bring about any of her coping mechanisms. There, she is laid bare and unsure how to be anymore.