My journey in M’wood has not been smooth

Byari fame Mallika is all set to wear the director’s hat. The award winning actress, who was away from celluloid for a while, recently announced a woman-centric project as her debut directorial venture.
Quiz her on taking up direction, and she says, “I happened to read the story, Pazhanile Kanakam, written by Kaloor Dennis in a regional daily. I was deeply touched by the story and discussed about it to my business partner, who is a close friend of the scriptwriter.That is how the idea of direction came up.”
Bhavana will play Yamuna Devi while Mallika will essay the character of the dupe artiste in the film. The actress-turned-filmmaker says she approached many artistes to play Kanakam, but no one was keen to take it up. “I think they were not confident enough as I have not proved my mettle as a filmmaker. Some even asked ‘why don’t you play Kanakam’, and I wanted to prove a point to them by taking up the role.”
So is she saying goodbye to acting to focus on direction? Mallika says, “I have worked in all four south film industries. However, my journey in Mollywood has not been smooth. Here, an actress needs to more than just act to make it big. As an actress your duty does not end being just that. You’re asked for ‘favours’. You know what I mean? I’m not saying all people in the industry are like that. There are a few exceptions. Now I can talk openly about it as I am not relying on films for my bread and butter. I’m sure other actresses will agree with me, but they won’t talk about it as they are here to become stars.”
Her directorial venture is based on the writer’s experience in the film industry. “Pazhanile Kanakam is a woman-centric film that revolves around an actress called Yamuna Devi and her dupe artiste Kanakam. The dupe artiste is looked down upon in society, as an instrument of sexual pleasure. The mental and physical agony she undergoes will be highlighted in the film,” says Kaloor Dennis, who himself will pen the dialogues for the film.
Playback singer Manjeri will turn music director with this project. Pazhanile Kanakam is expected to start rolling in August in Ottapalam.