EXCLUSIVE - Abhinaya on ‘Pani’: I’m in awe of how Joju George managed to do it all in this film!

Joju George’s maiden directorial ‘Pani’, which also features him in the lead role, is set for release this Thursday, October 24. The upcoming Malayalam film, which has grabbed the eyeballs of industry insiders including acclaimed filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, who stated that the film “rises to the level of some of the best Korean new wave films,” has Abhinaya as the leading lady. With 58 films to her credit, and having made a name in all the South Indian language films, Abhinaya expresses that ‘Pani’ offers her a role of substance.
“Joju (George) sir happened to see my photo in an ethnic look, which I posted with my mother. He also came across my performance in ‘Mark Antony’ starring Vishal, and felt I was apt for the role. That’s how it began,” says Abinaya (with the assistance of her interpreter), who is differently abled in an exclusive interview with ETimes.
Speaking about the character she plays in ‘Pani’, the actress adds, “I am playing Gouri, the wife of Giri (played by Joju George).”

When asked about what attracted her towards this film, she says, “This film is special for two reasons, because of the script, and also its Joju sir’s debut directorial. The script is unique. I wouldn’t have signed this if it wasn’t different to what I have done so far. My character is performance-oriented. I cannot speak much about the role, but I hope the audience will find out tomorrow!”
Abhinaya also talks about her co-star and director, Joju George, “I’m in awe of how Joju George managed to do it all in this film! I mean, he is both directing and also playing the lead character. Despite managing everything on set, he is very jovial nd miraculously finds time to spend with us, co-stars.”

As Abhinaya is differently abled she has challenges in speech and hearing, but braving all the odds, she makes it seem like a cakewalk when she works on movie sets. “When I get the script, whether its in Tamil or Malayalam, or other language, I ask them to transliterate into English. That’s how I learn my dialogues. Once on set, the assistant directors would brief me the situations, the expressions, and how to perfect the lipsync,” she adds.


On the work front, Abhinaya has some exciting projects in the kitty, including a Tamil web series, and a film, along with another Telugu film.