Two of the most successful actors in heart-warming films talk about ‘Nitham Oru Vanam’ and how they have grown as actors since their debut.
Two of the most successful actors in heart-warming films talk about ‘Nitham Oru Vanam’ and how they have grown as actors since their debut.
In February last year, when cinema was still battling the first wave of the pandemic, a fascinating film named ninilla ninilla , theni in Tamil) released on ZEE5. More than a year later, the lead actors of that film – Ashok Selvan and Ritu Varma – are back with Nitham Oru VanamiAnother film that promises to touch our hearts is all set to hit the theaters on November 4.
Neither of these projects seems far-fetched for these two actors. “(Laughs) I think I am blessed to have a script like this,” says Ritu, who has done many good films in Telugu. Pelli Chopulu To ok ok jeetham, “I’m not calculative when it comes to choosing scripts, and all I care about is: ‘Will I watch this as an audience?’ But such overwhelming compliments on my script selection is an assurance that I am on the right track,” says the actor.
Such films keep Ashok going. “Because they make me happy too! Plus, as an artist, I want to instill hope. I want the audience to go back home with a lot of positivity,” he says, adding that he doesn’t do that with every film. Can. “I don’t want to be typecast as anything. So, I have to break the monotony and experiment with other subjects as well.”
The three roles played by Ashok in the film. photo credit: special arrangement
Nitham Oru Vanami It’s also an experiment of sorts: Ashok plays three different characters – Arjuna, who lives in a cocoon; Veera, a self-righteous man from the 2000s; and Prabha. “I am glad that I got the opportunity to speak Kongu slang through Prabha. Although I am from Erode, I speak only Chennai Tamil, and my mother always wanted me to speak Kongu Tamil,” said Ashok.
The story of Veera is from a college. Interestingly, Ashok is one of the few actors who look convincing as a college student. “I always wanted to do a college film because the youth would get hooked on it instantly. I am doing another film, a lot of parts of which are set in a college. Only till a specific age will I be able to do such roles, and hence I want to do more now,” says Ashok.
Ritu plays Shubha, an independent woman who lives life to the fullest. Ritu says, “She looks at life from a different perspective and she is someone we all would love to be friends with.” Shubha is among three women in the film, the other two played by Aparna Balamurali and Shivatmika Rajasekhar.
Ashok Selvan has been a part of multi-starrers in the past as well; He insists that his co-stars feel comfortable on set. “Only then they will be able to perform without any ego. This is important to get the best output. Acting is a co-dependent art, and hence how your co-stars perform matters a lot,” says Ashok.
With Ritu, he was more confident of his experience ninilla ninilla, “We are friends and it is always comfortable to work with him. Like Ninila…We shot in many places Nitham… – From Kolkata to Fort Kochi.” He added.
Ritu Varma, Aparna Balamurali and Shivatmika Rajasekhar in stills of the film. photo credit: special arrangement
Ritu shares the same comfort level with the actor. “I have known him since 2015 and I am very proud to see how Ashok has grown as an actor and a person.”
Like Ashok, Ritu too has come a long way. “I was trying for whatever was offered to me. I was not emotional, and it only grew with each film. I don’t do much planning or calculations. So, I don’t even look at acting as a business,” she says.
Ritu Varma and Ashok Selvan in the stills of the film | photo credit: special arrangement
Ritu is currently in Vishal-starrer. working on Mark Antony, which is his third direct Tamil film. On the other hand, Ashok is shooting for Neelam Productions’ next film. “It is a film set in the 90s and is based on cricket. I am looking forward to it,” he added.