Deepthy Nirmala James, whose early life was shaped by stories, poems, and plays, is now witnessing the fruition of a long-held dream. After studying Physics and Nursing, Deepthy initially worked as a nurse in Ireland before moving to Australia, where her passion for filmmaking took root. Though her mother, the veteran actress Ponnamma Babu, never encouraged her to pursue a career in cinema, Deepthy’s unwavering dream led her to create the short film Whirlpool, which has garnered praise at various film festivals.
In Australia, Deepthy enrolled in a filmmaking course, despite her initial doubts about balancing her career as a general manager with her desire to make films. Encouraged by her husband, James Jacob, and their children Amanda, Alicia, and Jake, Deepthy successfully completed the course. “It was during this course that I decided to create a short film,” Deepthy recalls. “I discussed the film’s concept over the phone with my brother Bibin in England, and one day, the idea for Whirlpool struck me.” The film tells the story of a criminal descending into the depths of his own problems, symbolized by the whirlpool of the sea.
Filming took place in Melbourne, Australia, with actors from the country playing key roles. After the shoot in Melbourne, Deepthy completed the post-production work in Kochi. She proudly calls the film an Indo-Australian project, with the journey from Melbourne to Kochi encapsulating the essence of the film. Deepthy had invited director Joshiy for the preview of Whirlpool. Though he was unable to attend in person, Joshiy watched the film on his laptop and praised it, comparing it to an original Hollywood movie. "That was the greatest compliment I could have received," Deepthy says, adding that when director Sibi Malayil also praised the film, she was overwhelmed with joy.
Deepthy also reflected on her relationship with her mother, Ponnamma Babu, who had never pushed her toward a career in cinema. “Mummy never encouraged me to pursue films. She always believed in the importance of education and securing a stable job,” Deepthy recalls. “When I told her about the film, she initially thought it was a joke. But when she saw it in Kochi, she was deeply moved and cried, embracing me. She asked, ‘Why didn’t you tell me about this dream all these years?’"
The film has been showcased at several prestigious international film festivals, including the Kolkata International Film Festival. Deepthy's mother, Ponnamma Babu, was there to support her once again, a moment of pride for both mother and daughter. Deepthy, who had long harboured a desire to direct a film in Malayalam, now dreams of creating one in her mother tongue. "I want to direct a film in Malayalam without delay," she says, eager to continue her journey in filmmaking.
Published: 18 Dec 2024, 02:45 pm IST
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