‘I love comedy but serious roles keep finding me’; Why Indrans still can’t say NO to laughter

He began his journey as a tailor and entered cinema through costume design. Drawing strength from his experience in theatre, he brought that before the camera. With his easy smile and effortless humour, Indrans won a special place in the hearts of audiences. In recent years, however, he has been changing lanes. He has proved that he has much more to offer beyond laughter. Anjam Pathira, Aalorukkam, Naradan, Udal, Home—his serious phase includes many weighty roles. Aashan, directed by John Paul George, is Indrans’ latest film, and once again shows his ability to constantly reinvent himself with every new project.

‘Kunjikkavil Meghame…’—that song is what first made me curious about Aashan. Tell us about the film

Aashan is a film that tells its story with the support of beautiful songs. Not just Kunjikkavil Meghame…, there are a few more songs in the film that I’m confident audiences will like. I thoroughly enjoyed playing this role. My character is of a office-bearer in a flat association—things happen there exactly as he says. He is a flamboyant, lively person. The story moves forward through the life of Aashan, who is also a cinema lover. As soon as the song became a hit, many people began asking about the film. After Guppy and Ambili, Aashan is John Paul George’s next directorial venture.

These days you are seen mostly in serious roles. Are you consciously keeping comedy roles aside?

I love doing comedy. Performing in front of the camera, being playful, making people laugh and laughing along—it gives me immense joy and energy. Even today, I’m always eager to take up such roles. But recently, most of the offers coming my way have been serious characters. When a few non-comedy roles gained attention, people began trying to cast me repeatedly in that mould. Serious roles require deep study of the character. Even after the shoot is over, the shadow of the character stays with you for a while. The style and presentation of humour in films have changed a lot today—it’s a sign of changing times. Still, my fondness for comedy remains strong. I never turn down good comedy roles that come my way.

When you are offered a lead role, what are the main things you look for?

Nowadays, many people approach me with stories where I play the lead. If I like the story when I hear it, I agree immediately. But that decision has often landed me in trouble. There have been instances where stories I liked at first hearing were very different once shooting began, with many scenes I had looked forward to being dropped. Once I’ve given my word, I feel obliged to go ahead with the film. In many such cases, a few days after shooting starts, the enthusiasm of the crew fades, and the aim becomes simply to somehow complete the film. Often, releases happen without publicity, promotion, or even proper distributors. Not all films are like that, of course. These days, when I’m invited to play the lead, I make it a point to enquire in detail about the story, the character, the crew, and the producers. Even if it’s a small role, I’m happy to be part of films with big stars, because I know they will definitely reach audiences.

Your autobiography is set to be released. How did the writing, drawn from your life experiences, come about?

I started writing mainly because friends forced me. At first, I was scared—my life has been full of poverty, hardship, and neglect, and I wondered how people would receive it. But when people began reading what I wrote, sharing their opinions, and talking about it, it gave me the courage to move forward. The encouragement of my family and friends was the real strength behind my writing. Eventually, I felt: this is my life—why should I be ashamed of telling it? During the Covid period, when I was at home for a long time, I began writing my memories and putting them together. Many thoughts that came to mind were first recorded, and later turned into words. Whenever I was at home, I would constantly think about the past. For months, even when called for meals, I would be lost in old memories. The autobiography was titled Indradhanus by Subhash Chandran, editor of Mathrubhumi Weekly. Despite all this, I still feel nervous sitting on big stages. When I stand before a microphone to speak, everything I had prepared in my mind suddenly vanishes.

You’re now getting active in Tamil cinema as well. What are the new film updates?

I’ve acted in a Tamil film directed by RJ Balaji, with Suriya in the lead. My character comes from Kerala to Tamil Nadu, so language was not a major issue. I had earlier acted in Shankar’s Nanban. Though offers do come from Tamil cinema, I have to decline because I should skip one or two Malayalam films to go there. That’s why I tend to hold back. In Malayalam, Ananthankaadu, directed by Jiyen Krishnakumar with a script by Murali Gopy, is ready for release. I’m also returning as PP Shashi Aashan in Aadu 3 alongside Jayasurya. New projects include Run Mama Run with Suraj and a film by Adoor sir as well.