I learn and grow from negative feedback: Anikha Surendran

Anikha Surendran, who began her career as a child artiste with notable roles alongside Ajith in Yennai Arindhaal (2015) and Viswasam (2019), is now actively working across the Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, and Telugu film industries as a leading lady. In a chat with us, Anikha speaks about her experience working on the Dhanush directorial Nilavuku En Mel Ennadi Kobam ( NEEK ), the differences she observes in each industry and more...
‘TAMIL AND TELUGU INDUSTRIES ARE MORE RELAXED’
When asked about the differences between the south industries, she elaborates, “The Malayalam industry is incredibly fast-paced, with tighter budgets and shorter working hours — we often shoot from 6am to 9pm. In contrast, the Tamil and Telugu industries have a more relaxed and slower working style. Being from Kerala, I’m treated like the baby of the team in the Malayalam industry. But in Tamil and Telugu, they’ve already started calling me ‘ma’am’,” she says with a laugh.
‘Whenever I receive negative feedback, I take it as constructive criticism’
The actress had got into a controversy over a lip-lock scene she’d done in her Telugu film Oh My Darling . Addressing it, she says, “When I did Oh My Darling , I was very young and a bit inexperienced, so it was one of those moments where you live and learn. I don’t think I’d do something like that again. If it’s a good script, I wouldn’t say no to anything outright, and I’m open to exploring different roles.” She also adds that she doesn’t regret doing the film. “I’m not someone who lives with regret, but there are definitely decisions I could have made differently. I don’t think I’ve been part of any major controversies, and I try to avoid them. Whenever I receive negative feedback, I try to understand the audience’s perspective and take it as constructive criticism. For me, it’s a kind of win-win situation; I learn and grow from it.”
'I TRULY ADMIRE AND ASPIRE TO EMULATE DHANUSH SIR’S DEDICATION’
Anikha describes the experience of working on Dhanush’s third directorial venture as crazy and highlights the unique approach the actor brought to the project. “Dhanush sir is such a refined artiste, and just being in his presence offered a lot to learn. He would act out scenes for us, and we would mimic his performance. This was different from my previous experiences, where directors typically encourage actors to interpret scenes in their own way. Dhanush sir’s pursuit of perfection made this process unique and educational.”
She also praises Dhanush’s work ethic, and states, “His dedication is something I truly admire and aspire to emulate. Before filming began, he ensured that the cast bonded well, given that the film revolves around a group of friends. We spent time together, hanging out and attending workshops at his house to build that camaraderie.”
‘STORY, SCRIPT, AND SCOPE OF ROLE MATTER TO ME, NOT THE MEDIUM’
Anikha says that she’s open to exploring all platforms, including OTT. “For me, the most important thing is the story, the script, and the scope of the role — not the medium,” he says. Speaking about the impact of OTT platforms on Indian cinema, she shares, “While OTT audiences are growing, most people still enjoy watching movies in theatres — especially for the excitement, promotions, and mass appeal. OTT has its own unique space, and some films work better there. But it doesn’t mean OTT is replacing theatres; both have their own audiences.”
‘MY COLLEGE AND FRIENDS ARE INCREDIBLY SUPPORTIVE’
Talking about how she balances her academic and professional life, Anikha, who is currently pursuing a degree in Mass Communication and Journalism in Kochi, shares, “I don’t have a strict schedule; I just go with the flow. My college and friends are incredibly supportive. When I'm on set, they help me catch up, and I study after shoots to prepare for exams. Film schedules are usually flexible, but exam dates are fixed, so I plan accordingly. Attendance policies are also quite accommodating."
‘Viswasam gave me visibility not just in the Tamil industry, but also among Kannada and Telugu audiences’
Anikh considers Viswasam to be the most significant moment in her career so far. She shares, “It was a turning point for me, both in terms of recognition and experience. It gave me visibility not just in the Tamil industry, but also among Kannada and Telugu audiences, which was incredibly rewarding. Working with Ajith sir was amazing — he spoke about his passion for films, and it was truly inspiring to see how, even after 25 years, he still approaches every project with such dedication. Collaborating with Gautham Menon sir was also a major milestone in my journey.”
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