In a captivating discussion for The Hollywood Reporter India, a group of celebrated actors – Shabana Azmi, Pratik Gandhi, Kani Kusruti, Anna Ben, Rajkummar Rao, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Vicky Kaushal – gathered for an engaging roundtable conversation hosted by veteran film critic Anupama Chopra. The conversation covered a wide range of topics, with Anna Ben offering a reflective insight into her journey in cinema.

The young actor, known for her breakout role in Kumbalangi Nights (2019), discussed how her recent film Kottukkaali reignited her love for acting. Anna explained that it was a transformative experience, saying the movie lifted her spirits and allowed her to rediscover her passion for the craft. She recalled how the film’s director, PS Vinothraj, had assured her that the Tamil language wasn’t a barrier, as her character had only one line in the film.

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Anna shared that filming Kottukkaali was a completely unique experience. She spent days in Madurai, immersing herself in the environment and learning about the setting. Interestingly, much of the cast were not professional actors; instead, the director enlisted his own relatives, who brought an authentic touch to the film by playing roles based on their real lives. This helped to create a natural, organic atmosphere on set.

Kottukkaali, in which Anna Ben plays Meena, tells the story of a 21-year-old woman who falls in love with a young man from an oppressed caste, sparking outrage from her conservative family. Believing she has fallen under a spell, her family takes her to a remote village shaman, who uses witchcraft and the sacrifice of a rooster to try to erase her memories. The film’s stark portrayal of caste discrimination, religious dogma, and gender oppression is a poignant commentary on the harsh realities of Indian society.

Reflecting on her time filming the movie, Anna noted, “I think we were about 40 people moving around, and people would hardly notice that we were actually filming.” She recounted her amusing experiences on set with the other actors, pointing out how the film's naturalistic style often made it feel more like an organic community than a professional film set.

Inner conflicts of an actor

Discussing the challenges of being an actor, Anna acknowledged that her journey hasn’t always been smooth. “There were times when movies I had acted in did well, but not exactly in the way I wanted. I tend to overthink a lot,” she admitted. Her confessions resonated deeply with the other actors at the roundtable, highlighting the personal struggles that many actors face at different points in their careers.

The roundtable provided a platform for Anna to speak candidly about her growth as an actor, and the respect she received from her more experienced peers demonstrated the importance of nurturing one's craft. She expressed her admiration for Kottukkaali, a film she believes revived her connection to acting and reminded her why she fell in love with it in the first place.

As the conversation unfolded, the actors' shared experiences underscored the ongoing challenges faced by performers in the industry, further emphasising the emotional and professional hurdles that continue to shape their journeys.