From years of rejection to sharing screen space with Mammootty: Amala Rose Kurian’s journey

For actress and television host Amala Rose Kurian, cinema was never an accidental blessing. From childhood, films were the subject she heard most about, and becoming part of the industry became her sole dream. She worked relentlessly to make it a reality—countless auditions, interviews, rejections, and perseverance finally led to opportunities. Her filmography includes Theevram, Thilothama, Oru Kanavu Pole, Kuthoosi , Bheeshma Parvam, Neymar, Pet Detective, Bougainvillea, Patriot, and Dose. For Amala, every film represents the reward of years of hard work and patience.

How did your journey in cinema begin?

I first faced the camera at the age of 3 through a telefilm. However, my real entry into cinema happened during my high-school years. I worked as a presenter on several television channels and participated in a reality show. At the same time, I regularly attended film auditions. Atlast, I got opportunities in films. My first released film was Theevram, where I played the wife of actor Anu Mohan’s character. I was selected through an audition and was only 15 years old then. Before that, I had acted as a heroine in another film, but the project was shelved midway.

Was it difficult to break into cinema?

Getting roles was extremely difficult. I faced many rejections and disappointments. There were even instances where I was selected for a role and later dropped. Two things kept me going—my passion for cinema and the support of my parents.

After Theevram, I acted in two Tamil films, but then I went nearly 9 years without getting a movie role. It was only later that I got an opportunity in Bheeshma Parvam. During those years, I kept trying. I have lost count of how many auditions I attended. Now, I feel those struggles are gradually paying off. There are people and films that recognise my talent, and though progress is slow, I’m happy to be moving in the right direction. The waiting continues, but so does my hope.

How did your interest in cinema develop?

I was born and brought up in Changanassery, Kottayam. My father was a huge film enthusiast and a talented artist. In his youth, he struggled to find opportunities in cinema and had several bitter experiences.

I remember one story he told me. He once travelled to Coimbatore to act in a Tamil film. After getting into costume and makeup, he waited for hours, only to be told by the production controller that there was no role for him. He returned home in tears, without even removing his makeup. Ever since, he dreamed that one of his children would make it into films. Listening to his stories and aspirations while growing up sparked my own love for acting.

Did you have any acting background?

I didn’t come from a theatre background. However, I worked as a presenter on various TV channels for several years and participated in school plays and mono-act performances during my school and college days. So facing the camera was never intimidating. Acting, however, was a completely new experience.

How did each film opportunity come your way?

I got my first break in Theevram through an audition while I was doing a reality show. The show’s cameraman, Hari Chettan, also recommended me. For Bheeshma Parvam, director Nahas of RDX and writer Shamas recommended my name when director Amal Neerad was looking for someone who could speak the Kottayam dialect.

From there, opportunities slowly started coming. My role in Bheeshma Parvam led to Bougainvillea. These two films were particularly important because they opened doors to other projects. Writer Adarsh introduced me to Neymar, and later I worked in Panthrandu, Pet Detective, Aadu 3, and Patriot.

I have also acted in the web series Anali, directed by Midhun Manuel Thomas, which is expected to release soon. It was a strong character and the biggest audition process I’ve ever gone through, involving multiple rounds. My work in Anali eventually led Midhun Chettan to cast me in Aadu 3.

What is your biggest dream?

Cinema is my only dream. I have never desired anything else with the same intensity.

What satisfaction does acting give you?

I hold a postgraduate degree in Psychology, but I cannot imagine myself in any profession other than cinema. So far, most of my roles have been small, but even those give me immense happiness and pride. Since childhood, cinema has been my goal. Even appearing in a single scene and being part of the industry feels like a big achievement. Nothing gives me the same sense of fulfillment as cinema. If you ask me what I would do otherwise, I genuinely have no answer.

Are there any dream roles or actors you wish to work with?

Not specifically. What I really want are unique and challenging characters that help me grow as an actress and find my abilities.

Acting alongside Mammootty was one of my biggest dreams. Even though it was just a single scene, that dream came true through Patriot. I would also love to share screen space with Mohanlal, Urvashi, and Basil Joseph.