Girish AD’s films always leave ample room for the supporting characters. In Premalu, Shyam Mohan’s Aadhi was one such character: a pompous, controlling ‘bestie’ nursing a secret crush on Mamitha Baiju’s Reenu that he could never admit. Bethlehem Kudumba Unit (BKU) works the same way across a larger canvas. Roshan Shanavas’s Glixson, Suresh Krishna’s Baiju and Shameer Khan’s Brinto all drew their share of attention, as did Hari, the koothu artist. Shyam plays him as eccentric and unpredictable, and his pre-climax sequence steers the light-hearted film toward action.
After a record-breaking theatrical run, Nivin Pauly and Mamitha’s BKU continues to draw audiences after streaming on JioHotstar. For Shyam, the response marks another milestone after the pressure of being remembered as Aadhi and the wait for a role that gave him room to perform. In this conversation, he talks about playing Hari, working with Nivin, his journey from a banking job to the screen, the films he hopes to take up next, and more.
Excerpts:
Given the large ensemble that shares the screen in BKU, Hari's attention must be gratifying...
It has been overwhelming. Despite the film having so many characters, audiences have responded to each of them. I have received long messages on social media about my performance, and it is lovely to see people noticing even the smallest glances and reactions.
How did you come on board BKU?
When Premalu 2 didn't materialise, we were all disappointed. When BKU was announced, the makers posted a photograph of Girish with Nivin chettan and Mamitha. Even then, he hadn't called me, so I assumed there would be no role for me. A few days later, Girish called and told me about Hari. I have always wanted to be part of Girish's films, so getting another opportunity to work with him was exciting.
Given Hari’s unpredictable nature, how did you approach the role, and did you develop a backstory for him?
Aadhi in Premalu was easier to map out because his behaviour followed a pattern. With Hari, I deliberately avoided figuring out why he was manipulative or attention-seeking because I felt that explaining him would make him predictable. I also didn't want to plan his every move, so I let myself react instinctively. One such moment was when Hari smiled at someone who was visibly angry with him. I felt that planning it beforehand might have made it look artificial. I would check with Girish before improvising, and he would let me know if it worked. His support made a big difference. Playing Hari was indeed challenging but also liberating, and my approach to acting changes with every role.
Hari's action sequence introduces a dramatic mood shift in an otherwise light-hearted film. How did the team approach that stretch?
I learnt about the team's concerns only after the premiere, when cinematographer Ajmal (Sabu) told me that the sequence had been a tense point during production. The sudden shift from the treatment up to then to action was a risk, and they weren't sure how audiences would respond. It was only afterwards that I understood the extent of their concern and their relief when the sequence worked.
Children seem to enjoy Hari's action portions the most...
Children have really taken to the character, and some of them even call me JK. Families send me videos of their children mimicking Aadhi's 'JK' gesture. I think the physical comedy, from the exaggerated movements to the car chase and pepper-spray fights, appeals to them. Those moments have a cartoonish quality that children seem to enjoy. I'm happy the character has connected with them.
How physically demanding was the sequence?
It was probably my most physically demanding Malayalam film so far, although some of my Telugu work has been tougher. The sequence involved a lot of physical exertion, and I suffered rope burns and a mishap with a jump. Cinematographer Ajmal (Sabu) was instrumental in bringing it to life on screen. He assured me he would capture it effectively without putting me through unnecessary strain.
What was your experience of working with Nivin Pauly?
Working with Nivin chettan was a huge inspiration for me. I have been a fan since Premam, so sharing the screen with him was a fanboy moment. What I truly admire is how effortlessly he slips into romantic comedies. Thattathin Marayathu came out in 2012, and even after all these years, he retains that charm. Watching him bring it out again in BKU, despite the different dynamic of its age-gap romance, was a treat. My wife and I watched the film in theatres multiple times, and every time Nivin chettan blushed on screen, we would look at each other and blush too. (laughs)
You first appeared on screen as a child actor in Mohanlal-Priyadarshan’s Kilukkam. Was acting always a passion?
Not really. Kilukkam was almost an accidental experience, because my mother acted in it, and I did not think of acting as a career then. But I started enjoying performing in school, playing different characters and imitating people. In college, I did mimicry until a throat infection forced me to stop, but I kept observing and imitating people even while working a corporate job. I was also drawn to animation and filmmaking, often making storyboards and short videos with friends. I did not recognise it as a serious interest in acting at the time, but those experiences probably laid the groundwork for what followed.
You grew up watching your mother, a theatre artist, at work...
As a child, I often accompanied my mother to the theatre and watched rehearsals and plays from the side of the stage. I am sure those experiences influenced me, even if I did not realise it then. My parents passed away when I was still in school, so they never got to see me build a career in acting. My grandfather and other relatives raised me. Years later, when I decided to leave my banking job, my family was concerned because I had no clear plan. I was giving up a stable career without knowing where the decision would lead. They never stopped me, though. These days, they are more likely to ask whether my films have been hits.
Up next, you have a film with your Premalu co-actor Akhila Bhargavan coming up, which could mark your debut as a lead actor...
Yes, it’s a comedy film directed by debutant Sankar SK. It is one of my favourite scripts, and the film is nearly complete. I am not sure when it will be released. Besides that, I'm reading scripts in Malayalam and other languages, including Telugu. Ultimately, I want to take up films that excite me. I do not want to choose a project just because I get to play the lead.
