In an interview with The Cinema Post, Mathew Thomas spoke about his role as a police officer in the upcoming Parvathy Thiruvothu-starrer Pradhama Drishtiya Kuttakkar. He also discussed how he prioritises trying something new with every movie.
You are playing a cop in Pradhama Drishtiya Kuttakkar. How have you prepared yourself for it, because this is something that you have never attempted in your career?
When Shahad, the film's director, first told me the story of this police drama, I was hesitant. Even though the plot was fascinating, I wasn't entirely sure if I would be ideal for playing a cop. I thought people would undoubtedly be skeptical about me acting as a police officer. Shahad was confident in me after working with me in Prakashan Parakkatte, and he provided me with references to real police officers who looked like me and were of my age.
I was slightly convinced and made an attempt to mentally and physically prepare for the role. A few actual police officers were present on the set, and even they voiced their doubts about my ability to pull it off. However, they also later said that I did resemble several of the young officers in their camp when they saw how convincingly I had transformed into the character. I was rather assured that I could do it.
The audience responded mostly favourably to your most recent film, Sukhamano Sukhamann. Did you decide to take on this project because of its feel-good aspect, which is the common factor in most of your prior flicks?
I was very excited about Sukhamano Sukhamann because of my role, Theo. Despite the fact that I cannot relate to him, I felt an emotional connection—or perhaps empathy—to him because of the severe loneliness and trauma he experiences. It goes beyond simply trying something new; the character helped me recognise how lucky I am to have so many kind people in my life. Choosing a character that allows me to perform in a new setting is ultimately the most important thing.
Is this decision to take on something different each time an effort to overcome the stereotype of a timid youngster in distress?
To be honest, I was a little worried about getting stereotyped right after Thanneer Mathan Dinangal. After this movie, I was offered a lot of similar roles and narratives, but I had to turn them down. I now look forward to doing new things or venturing beyond my comfort zone. The main goal is to be a part of good movies; everything else is dependent on what is being offered to you. Udumbanchola Vision, my next theatrical release, will also delve into the performer in me. He has a grey shade and is an odd guy. It was really challenging for me to crack it in this role, but once more, the director's and the team's diligence really benefited me.
Mathew Thomas
Your peers – Naslen, Mamitha Baiju and Anaswara Rajan – are equally making it big in the industry. How do you see this success?
Their achievements and the way they have made a space for themselves in the industry make me very happy. I would also mention actors like Sandeep Pradeep, Sagar Surya, and Sangeeth Prathap in addition to Naslen, Mamitha, and Anaswara, who are also equally proving their ability to carry out any role with ease. I am privileged to be a part of this phase in Malayalam cinema, and we all have cordial interactions where we discuss informal topics rather than work. After the Vijay-starring film Leo, I am receiving several offers from different industries. I am keen to be a part of more Malayalam films, though.
Your outspoken acceptance of the trolls and criticism against Bromance last year was one of your most well-received actions. Was it one of the things you learnt about the perks of being a part of this industry?
Deep down, we are all film enthusiasts, and I firmly believe that audiences should never be underestimated. It is pointless to defend ourselves with excuses when the general consensus is that it has not worked well for them. Perhaps we have performed that role less satisfactorily. I personally think that it is always better to accept our faults, and this is not just something I learned from being an actor. It is perfectly OK, and there is no reason to be offended by it. Rather, you can learn from it, which will strengthen your journey. As a result, I didn't find it hard to deal with any harsh criticism for my performance in Bromance.
You entered this field at a relatively young age. How has fame affected you?
Nothing specific! I consider myself lucky to have been able to be a part of the industry. I have always found this art and the process to be fascinating. Since I began at a very young age, I don't even know what I would have done if I hadn't become an actor, and I am least concerned about fame. I began with exceptionally gifted filmmakers, and their approach to this craft genuinely influenced me. Every time I work on a movie, I get an unwavering sense of satisfaction.
