Lukman Avaran is an important part of the Malayalam film industry today, having featured in a host of acclaimed films over the past decade. After starting with minor, inconsequential roles, Lukman gradually moved into character roles, drawing attention with his performances in Unda, Operation Java, Saudi Vellakka, and Thallumaala. The actor is currently at a stage where he can shoulder films on his own, with a string of projects in development. Ten years back, Lukman was just another Malayali youngster waiting to be packed off to the Gulf after graduation. Hailing from a conservative family from Malappuram, acting or cinema was never part of his dreams. In fact, his family bought a television only when he was in higher secondary school. Though he used to participate in school plays, Lukman started considering acting seriously after he was adjudged the best actor at a college theatre festival. But as the 'Gulf deadline' closed in, Lukman became more desperate for an opening in cinema. Moved to Kochi, did odd jobs, attended auditions, short films... his story has everything an average film aspirant in Kerala goes through.

Cut to now, Lukman isn't scared of the Gulf anymore. He's come so far that he now holds a golden visa, frequently visiting the Middle East for promotions and holidays. "In those days, Dubai was like some alien place, and the prospect of having to work there disturbed me a lot. When I got the golden visa, all these memories came rushing in. I can never blame my family because the situation was like that. They never liked cinema and were aware of its uncertainties. Unlike engineering or MBBS, people invest 10-15 years of hard work in cinema and still fail to make a mark. I'm just happy I could do it all for my family while they are still around," says the actor, beaming with pride.

First time in love

Lukman next has Athi Bheekara Kaamukan lined up for release on November 14. Produced by Deepti Gautham, Gautham Thaniyil (also the co-director), V Mathiyalagan, and Sam George, the film marks Lukman's reunion with Corona Dhavan director CC Nithin and writer Sujai Mohanraj. The actor defines it as a complete romantic film, something he always wanted to do. "As an aspiring actor, I often dreamt of doing action and romance, and used to enact such scenes in front of the mirror. When Nithin pitched this idea, I felt it was the right time. Though it has nothing majorly fresh or groundbreaking, it still has everything in it to be enjoyed with families."

A fan of eternal love stories like Namukku Parkkan Munthirithoppukal and Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa, Lukman says Malayali audiences have always welcomed romantic films if made with the right mix. Conscious of today’s audience's increasing tendency to call out romantic expressions as 'cringe', the actor says, "There's always cringe in romance, but it depends on the meter at which you perform. The performance in Athi Bheekara Kaamukan might actually feel like cringe because the character is like that. He hardly interacts with women and is very shy around them." Adding that he could relate to some of the character's actions, particularly the lover boy phase, Lukman says with a chuckle, "We all have gone through it. Dreaming about that one special person, trying to catch a glimpse of them from afar, the bike rides, the frequent visiting spots, the laughs, heartbreaks, tears... Looking back, some of it might make us feel awkward.”

Career choices

Lukman isn't a big fan of planning. Neither is there a checklist for the kind of roles he wants to do. But there sure is evolution, he says. "I don't forcefully do anything, like following an action film with a comedy, then a thriller, romance... It doesn't work like that. My primary focus is on being part of good films. However strong your character is, people will forget if it's a terrible film. So I try to collaborate with those whom I believe can execute and release a film correctly. With age and each new film, my thoughts, skills, and understanding of the medium are evolving, and that also reflects in my choices. Audience response is also important. If they respond well, our responsibility automatically increases."

In his career spanning over 10 years, Lukman's biggest moment of glory came when Thallumaala was released. His performance as Jamshi, the hero's friend who at times overshadowed the hero with his terrific stunts, was unanimously lauded. It unleashed a side of Lukman the audience hadn't seen before, and many hoped the actor would capitalise on its momentum to scale bigger heights. However, his releases post Thallumaala failed to repeat the same success, even though some of them, like Anchakkallakokkan and Perumani, were critically appreciated. "Had Thallumaala been my first film, I would have felt the pressure of having to do similar action-heavy roles and deliver big hits. But by the time of its release, people were somewhat familiar with me through Unda, Operation Java, and Saudi Vellakka. So I didn't feel the need to keep repeating Thallumaala-like films, which also don't come every day. That said, I'd still love to experience the same feeling of being celebrated. It need not be another actioner, even a romantic film can become a sensation. I'm trying to balance commercial entertainers and films with artistic quality."

Lukman, who anticipated a much better response for Corona Dhavan, Anchakkallakokkan, and Perumani, notes it's a combination of multiple factors that decide a film's fate. "You need to plan a film's release correctly, see what other films are coming at the same time, do proper promotions, and of course, stardom that can pull in the audience. Unfortunately, Anchakkallakokkan was released during the Ramzan fasting period, and we couldn't promote Perumani well. It's heartening to see these films being praised now, but theatrical success is paramount. The biggest high for any artist is seeing viewers with varying tastes and sensibilities collectively enjoying the film in a theatre."

Journey forward

Lukman is currently part of some interesting films like Asif Ali's Tiki Taka, Prithviraj's i, Nobody, and the Operation Java sequel Operation Cambodia. Tiki Taka, the actor says, will be one to watch out for. "It's a huge film, probably one of Malayalam cinema's most expensive films ever. There's a stellar cast with lots of fun and action." While he is used to taking preps for action-heavy roles, like getting trained in boxing for Alappuzha Gymkhana, Lukman sounds more excited about mental preparation. The actor recalls how Unda director Khalid Rahman asked him to read a book on casteism to understand his Dalit character in the film better. "I enjoy discussing my character with the writer and director. People have different approaches; some might suggest reading a book, watching a film, or observing a certain character. Some roles demand absolutely no effort, and they'll still look great. Right now, I'm trying to get rid of my Malabar slang, which was initially tough, but I'm getting there. These extra efforts, however minute, keep me creatively upbeat."