'Wish I were the heroine in Mercury'

Remya Nambeesan talks about being a part of Karthik Subbaraj's silent thriller, Mercury, that's getting released this week
'Wish I were the heroine in Mercury'

Remya Nambeesan's desire to be part of "emotion-driven realistic films" meant that she couldn't refuse the offer to play an extended cameo in Mercury (a silent thriller). She reportedly said yes even without insisting on a narration. "I knew by then that Induja had been finalised as the female lead. Nevertheless, I was happy about sharing screen space with Prabhudheva. Also, this was an opportunity to work with Karthik Subbaraj after Pizza. But yes, I wish I were the heroine of the film," she says.

Looking back, the singer-actor is content about the quality of work she has done in both Tamil and Malayalam. "Of course, there were some bad films, but at all times, I was choosing films that challenged me as an actor. It doesn't matter how many scenes I get in a film, as long as they are challenging," she adds. 

Remya shot for three days in Kerala for Mercury. "It's an experience I'll remember for a lifetime. Cinema, at the end of the day, is about expressions and emotions. When there's no dialogue delivery, naturally, it's more challenging and there's more emphasis on expressions. Also, acting with Prabhudheva was a dream come true," she gushes.

After Sathya (2017), she admits to having become picky about her films. "I am glad that the films I said no to turned out to be duds. I want to be in every good project!" she says.

The topic shifts to director Karthik Subbaraj, whose work she's a big fan of. "I'm not saying this because he started his career with my film (Pizza). He's a refined technician, a director who knows what he needs. He's extremely hardworking and can mould any actor. While making Pizza, he never told me the whole story. I have immense faith in Karthik as a storyteller and a director. Jigarthanda and Iraivi aren't ordinary films." 

He is also a good friend, she says. "I always tell him to let me know when there's an interesting role. You can't take the liberty of asking for opportunities with everyone."

Any chance she has a role in the Rajinikanth film Karthik is directing? "Oh, that's a huge film. I'd not say no if he asks," she says with a laugh. 

Reflecting on the film's shooting, she says she was pleasantly surprised by how quickly Prabhudheva got into the skin of the character. "Soon as the camera starts rolling, he would begin to let the magic happen. After Vijay Sethupathi, I'd say Prabhudheva is an actor with loads of talent."

Remya has survived in the industry for close to a decade. "I am not here for fame or money. I was told that the shelf life of female actors is limited, but I am doing the best I can, so the audiences remember me and my work for a long time."

Among her upcoming films are Natpuna Ennanu Theriyuma, Seethakaathi and the Malayalam film, Monkey Pen 2. "The story of Natpuna Ennanu Theriyuma revolves around my character (a designer). Seethakaathi, I'm sure, will turn out to be an important film in my career," she says.
 

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