‘People's faith in me was declining’: Parvathy Thiruvothu gets emotional while reflecting on ‘PDK’

Actor Parvathy Thiruvothu became emotional while reflecting on her experience of working on ‘Pradhama Drishtiya Kuttakkar’ at the film's success celebration. Recalling how the project came her way during a challenging phase in her career, she thanked director Shahad Nilambur and the production team for trusting her with the lead role when confidence in her was beginning to fade.

Parvathy described the opportunity as a significant risk for everyone involved and said the film's success was the result of the collective efforts of its cast and crew. She also looked back on the demanding shooting schedule, the friendships she developed on the sets and the response to her character, Aleena Abraham.

Parvathy Thiruvothu on Shahad Nilambur believing in her

Speaking at the gathering, Parvathy said Shahad's decision to cast her came at a time when she felt people's faith in her was diminishing. She acknowledged that taking on the project involved risks for both the director and the production team, particularly as Shahad was also exploring a different filmmaking approach following the response to his previous film.

“There was a time when people's faith in me was gradually declining for various reasons. That was when Shahad believed in me and offered me this character. He stood by me, and I am extremely grateful to him. It was not an easy decision. Despite his previous film not achieving the success he had hoped for, Shahad was willing to explore a new genre and change his approach as a director. That was a risk in itself. Working with me was also a risk. The production team supported that decision as well. Opportunities like this can make a huge difference for actors like me.”

The actor also expressed gratitude to the film's technical crew, particularly cinematographer Roby, for his patience and support during the shoot. She recalled how he allowed the team sufficient time to correct mistakes and improve the framing rather than rushing through the process.

She also praised Chaman's editing, describing it as being “as sharp as a samurai sword”.

Parvathy recalls demanding shooting days

Parvathy said the success celebration felt more like a reunion of friends than a formal industry event. Recalling the long association she developed with the team, she said being together again brought back memories of their time on the sets.

“I don't feel like this is a public event. When everyone from the team of 'Pradhama Drishtiya Kuttakkar' comes together in one room, it feels like we have returned to the sets. We all know each other, and now we are friends too. That makes me feel very relaxed. There is none of the atmosphere of speeches or formality that usually comes with attending other public events. After the film's release, whenever we met, we often spoke about how we should all get together again. I'm happy that it has finally happened.

“I miss the shooting days a lot. Back then, I hadn't realized that we would have to work so hard. There were days when the shoots went on for 18 to 20 hours. It is only now, when I look back, that I understand how much effort so many people put into making this film.

It still amazes me how so many people come together to work on a single shot. “We arrive in the morning, put on our costumes, learn our dialogues, give our best and return home. But now that the film has become such a big success and we are all standing here, I don't feel like I did all of this alone. We did it together.”

Parvathy speaks about friendships with co-stars

The actor also highlighted the personal relationships she developed with her co-stars, particularly Unnimaya Prasad and Sidharth Bharathan. She said their conversations during the shoot often turned into lively discussions, with Sidharth frequently engaging her in debates whenever feminism came up.

“Through this film, I have gained a friendship with Unnimaya that will last a lifetime. My conversations on the sets were mostly with Siddharth and Unnimaya. Siddhu would often turn our discussions into debates. He knows that whenever feminism comes up, I will be the first one to start talking. I shared the same kind of friendship with all my co-stars. “Kuttettan (Vijayaraghavan) joined the team towards the end. His arrival brought a significant change to the atmosphere on the sets. His natural swag, the care and affection he showed everyone, and his wonderful conversations gave us tremendous support. Kuttettan is an actor who has portrayed several police characters successfully. He suggested changes to many of my shots, and those inputs helped improve the character.”

She added that Vijayaraghavan's suggestions during filming helped her refine Aleena Abraham's character.

Directed by Shahad Nilambur, ‘Pradhama Drishtiya Kuttakkar’ features Parvathy Thiruvothu, Mathew Thomas, Unnimaya Prasad and Sidharth Bharathan in lead roles. Vijayaraghavan, Vinay Forrt and R. Parthiban are also part of the cast.