Nimisha Sajayan was kept guessing about her ‘Enna Vilai’ role; here’s what happened

Actor Nimisha Sajayan had no idea which character director Sajeev Pazhoor had written with her in mind when he first narrated ‘Enna Vilai to her’.

The actor recently revealed that she was asked to choose between two important characters in the film, Vijayalakshmi and Kanchana, without knowing which one the filmmaker was actually considering for her.

“When Sajeev narrated the story to me, he didn’t tell me which character he had in mind for me. He simply said, ‘Okay, now, you pick.’ There were two beautifully written characters, and Rishi’s character was also brilliantly written. So, I was genuinely curious and a little sceptical about whether he was considering me for Vijayalakshmi’s character or the role of Kanchana. But honestly, I was happy either way. I was completely open to taking up Viji’s character as well because I really liked the space the character offered.”

The actress eventually got Kanchana, a lawyer at the centre of the film's story, and says the moment Sajeev revealed his choice became an emotional one for her.

Nimisha admitted that she had already developed a particular liking for Kanchana. So, when Sajeev finally told her that she would play the character, the moment became unexpectedly emotional.

“So, when Sajeev finally told me that the character he had in mind for me was Kanchana, I was overwhelmed. I was almost in tears. I just hugged him and asked him, ‘Why did you do this?’ I wasn’t sure which character he was going to offer me because both were so beautifully and strongly written. But the moment he said, ‘It’s you,’ it became a very emotional moment for me. The beauty of 'Enna Vilai' is that every character has a deep emotional arc.”

‘Enna Vilai’, which also stars Karunaas, is set against the backdrop of Rameswaram and explores questions of survival, dignity and justice. 

Nimisha also spoke about working with Karunaas, who plays the lead in the film. Although she did not have many combination scenes with the actor, she said his performance left a strong impression on her.

She also praised Vijayalakshmi Ahathian, who plays the other key character she had considered taking on.

“Vijayalakshmi’s character is also very hard-hitting, and she has excelled as a performer. I am so glad that the press and media fraternity has received the film so warmly. It is a bliss to receive such heartfelt appreciation for my character. Director Sajeev deserves all the credit for bringing these characters to life. I am sure Enna Vilai will remain a memorable film for cinema lovers,” she said.

Written and directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Sajeev Pazhoor, ‘Enna Vilai’ is set around the lives of people whose livelihood is connected to the coins devotees throw into the sea near Rameswaram.

The story follows a man whose attempt to make a living from the coins gradually develops into a larger legal battle. The film uses that conflict to explore questions around poverty, dignity, survival and justice. Recent reports have also described the film as a socio-political family thriller, with Nimisha playing Kanchana, the lawyer who becomes involved in the case.

The film marks another collaboration between Nimisha and Sajeev Pazhoor after ‘Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum’. Sajeev was the writer of that National Award-winning Malayalam film, which marked Nimisha's debut as a lead actor. For ‘Enna Vilai’, he has taken on both writing and directing duties.

‘Enna Vilai’ is produced by Githesh V under the banner of Kalamaya Films. Sam CS has composed the music, Alby Antony is the cinematographer and Sreejith Sarang is the editor.

The film is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on September 17.