Many writers are stuck in the 80s

Kavya Madhavan, who is known for her power-packed performances in Mollywood, was on a break from celluloid for more than a year.
She is now back with two much anticipated films. In a candid chat with Kochi Times, she talks about her comeback films, on honing her driving skills, dream project and more. Excerpts:
What made you take up Saji Surendran’s She Taxi as your comeback project?
The character of a woman taxi driver is something we haven’t seen before in films here.I was looking for woman-oriented projects and was wondering what kind of a film should I go for — should it be an entertainer or something which gives me scope to perform? She Taxi had both and I felt it will be just right for my comeback.
How was it working with Anoop Menon?
I have met Anoop during AMMA (Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes) meetings and other functions but we were not friends. Initially, I was sceptical whether I will be comfortable on the set with all new people around me. I knew Sajiettan; he’s my brother’s close friend. But once the shoot started I never felt uncomfortable. Anoop makes everyone feel comfortable on the set, and it was great working with him.
The movie travelled to several destinations in India. How was the experience?
It is for Chandranudikkunna Dikkil that I first travelled to Mysuru, so that place is close to my heart. We also travelled to Kushal Nagar, Coorg and Narkhanda in Shimla. The temperature there was -2 degree Celsius and it was completely covered in snow. It felt like heaven. It was cold and I fell ill too. But I enjoyed every bit of my stay there.
Did you enjoy playing a cab driver?
I had to brush up my driving skills. I had got my license before but had no experience driving a four-wheeler. Once while learning driving, my car stopped on the highway and I panicked. That incident had affected me a lot. I can’t imagine someone shouting at me on the road. Driving in Ernakulam is a task. Forget driving, I fear for my life sitting in the backseat. For She Taxi, I was asked to drive an Ambassador. I found a new teacher and she instilled courage in me. I just had steering balance and felt like a beginner. I practised for one hour every day and it went smooth. I have gained back my confidence now.
How different are your roles in Akashavani and She Taxi?
They are entirely different characters. I play Vani, a corporate employee in Akashavani; she is educated and leads an urban life. However, Devyani of She Taxi is a Class X fail and has the responsibility of looking after her family. She lost her father, who was a cab driver, at a young age and had to take up the same job as she had no other option.
You have been in this industry for long. Is there any dream role that you would love to play?
I wish to do a dance-oriented project or even a music-related one. I have done classical dance in films but not an out and out dance-oriented film. Having said that, it has become a routine now to listen to scripts. However, I hardly come across any interesting stories. Earlier, every story used to be different and I found it exciting to be a part of such projects. But now, things have changed and writers come up with done to death stories set against the backdrop of the early 80s and 90s.
It looks like they still live in that era and are unaware of the changes that are happening in the industry. For the audience, movies are stress busters and they don’t like to watch dragging dramas anymore.
Are you contemplating entering other film industries?
I have just done three projects in Tamil. Earlier, I used to think that I should do at least a film in every industry. But now I have completely lost interest in working in other industries. I do not like to step out of my comfort zone and wish to work only with people I am comfortable with. I see to it that there are known faces around me. I’m not good at self-promotion.
How are your studies progressing?
I am pursuing BCom privately, and there are a few papers I’ve got to clear. My exams are in May.
Are you still learning dance and music?
I am learning both; it is just that they are not happening on a regular basis. If I am at home continuously for a week then my master will come down.