The script of Kishkindha Kaandam excited me as much as it shook me: Vyshnavi

Vyshnavi Raj has shared screen space with actors like Asif Ali, Vijayaraghavan, Suresh Gopi and Unni Mukundan in her films, with critically acclaimed Kishkindha Kaandam being her latest outing. She plays the role of Asif Ali's first wife, who passes away, very much a part of the mystery the film is woven around. We spoke to the actress, who is now waiting for her next release, the Suresh Gopi-starrer JSK (Janaki V/S State of Kerala).Excerpts:

I am super happy that I am a part of such a classic thriller film. I am not measuring it with the length of my character or its importance, but the fact that I was able to play a key role in such a film. It was in 2022 that I was first contacted about the role. I auditioned for it and I only knew I would be paired alongside Asif Ali and that the role would be that of a second heroine. The audition happened in 2023, and I was told the details regarding the character from the onset. I read the script on the film's pooja day. Until then, I didn't really know the actual depth and relevance of it. I was surprised because my role was short, but the impact it had on the overall story was huge. The script excited me as much as it shook me. I am overjoyed to see it well received and I feel like people were waiting for a good movie. And on a personal level, I feel a growth when I look back at the films that I have been part of.

My first scene itself was with both Vijayaraghavan and Asif Ali. I was literally shaking with anxiety and fear. We will have this thing in our heart that 'Oh, he is super super senior'. But kuttettan (Vijayaraghavan) was very chill. He shared a lot of on-set experiences. He spoke about filming Pookkaalam and the things that he did to portray the character on screen the way he did. He also gave small tips to adjust my performance a bit. I can say the same about Asikka (Asif Ali). To portray such an emotionally connected character, I don't know whether it would have turned out the way it did if it was not with Asikka. He was very supportive. We didn't know each other well before the shoot, but if we had to stop a scene because of a mistake, he would be like, 'It's okay' .

I have auditioned for most of my films so far, even Shefeekinte Santhosham (alongside Unni Mukundan). I had most of the combination scenes with Unniyettan. Even though I was a newcomer, the crew of that film supported me a lot and adjusted a lot for me. It was a blessing.

JSK is a huge film with a massive cast. I became part of the project at the very last moment. I spent six schedules on the sets of the film and it was truly a learning experience. Audiences will see Suresh Gopi sir once again as a lawyer on screen, after Chintamani Kolacase, and we are all thrilled about it. It was a role I found easy to play, as it was more of a contemporary girl who's my age, unlike the one in Kishkindha Kaandam, which was very demanding.