Malayalam actress and producer Rima Kallingal reflected on her creative journey, the evolution of her craft, and her plans for future projects
Rima Kallingal, known for her versatile roles in Malayalam cinema, candidly discussed her life, work, and aspirations in a conversation with Anjali Pillai on The Fourth Wall. From her early days as a dancer to her current pursuits in acting, producing, and directing, Kallingal shared her artistic philosophy and personal insights.
Reflecting on her career, she said, “I get to be an artist in this lifetime without any background in the acting industry. I think this is my 15th year here, and I am extremely grateful for the love and the work I get to do.” She emphasised that despite public scrutiny or “naysayers,” she focuses on the support of her peers and fans: “I feel I am understood… I don’t think I’m misunderstood because hate gets amplified more. That’s the algorithm, actually, it’s not even real.”
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On her approach to films and roles, Kallingal explained her selective and thoughtful process: “I take much more time to get into a character and get out of it now. I want to enjoy the process because the journey matters more than the destination. Every passing day, you realise how much there is to learn.”
Discussing her debut and breakthrough, she credited directors like Shyamaprasad for guiding her through nuanced performances. “We had acting classes, script readings, and time with the cinematographer before shooting. We were taught to have our character’s back, and that’s how I cracked my first major role,” she said. She praised the director’s approach to flawed, human characters: “Most darker shades are human; you never hate them, and that’s what I love about his films.”
Kallingal also reflected on some of her underrated projects, including Backstage and City of God, highlighting the creativity of the filmmakers and the depth of the roles she explored. About her short film with director Anjali Menon, she said, “Her mind works in very weird ways, but it’s very interesting, and she takes us with her. On set, you feel so safe.”
Apart from acting, Rima is actively expanding her platform Mamangam, which she described as a “collaborative platform for arts, craft, trade, martial arts, and exchange of ideas,” now reaching 12 years. She revealed plans for international collaborations, a dance festival, and new productions, reflecting her commitment to creative growth.
The actress also shared her inspiration from global content. Discussing the TV series Fleabag, she said, “That first episode of the second season is cinema for me — masterclass in writing, acting, editing, angles. Phoebe Waller-Bridge with two Emmys and a champagne glass was the screen saver for the longest time. That’s what I aspire for.”
Looking forward, Kallingal is exploring writing and directing, describing art as “an extension of yourself… the way you live your life, your relationships, everything is art.” She stressed the importance of women owning their space in cinema and contributing to the creative discourse.
Kallingal’s candid insights reveal an artist who values craft, collaboration, and continual evolution, blending her love for performance with a vision for building platforms that nurture creativity across borders.
Published: 02 Dec 2025, 12:06 pm IST
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