'I don't understand why people associate cuteness with acting'

My name is not Janani Iyer, just Janani, smiles the actor, as we settle down for a quick conversation. She signed four projects in Tamil last year, out of which two -- Adhe Kangal and Balloon -- got released. The third one, Vidhi Mathi Ultaa, is up for release this week, and Thollaikatchi (starring Ashwin Kakumanu), will hit the screens later this year.

Janani says she started focusing on Malayalam cinema post- Thegidi as she couldn't get quality films in Kollywood. "I don't believe in waiting for the 'right' script. I keep choosing the best from whatever I get," she adds. Janani feels it's not necessary to call a heroine 'bubbly' or 'cute'. "I don't understand why people associate cuteness with acting. I'd rather want someone to call me an independent woman than just a pretty face. I think that's how any character should be portrayed on screen."

She particularly liked her character in Adhe Kangal. “I played a journalist in the film. My character was headstrong and had a clear idea of what she wanted in life. I saw a lot of me in that role," she elaborates. 

On choosing Balloon, the Avan Ivan actor says, "I've been wanting to do a commercial film with elements of thrill, romance and horror for a long time. I thought Balloon would be an apt choice."

She doesn't care much about her screen space. "Take Balloon, for instance, I am not seen throughout the film, but without my character (in the flashback portions), there's no story. I don't mind doing such roles," she says.

Janani is all praise for her co-star, Jai. "I've liked his films -- Engeyum Eppothum and Raja Rani. He's quite spontaneous on the sets. I've never seen him rehearse."

In Vidhi Mathi Ulta, she plays a 'modern character'. "After doing serious films back-to-back, I needed a change. It's an interesting out and out fun venture with a liberal dose of comedy. As for Thollaikatchi, it's a rural film, and will be similar to Mundasupatti."

After Bala's film, Janani hasn't worked with experienced directors. "It's not that I didn't want to. A couple of big banner projects almost got finalised, but I missed them due to date issues. I'd love to work with Mani Ratnam and Gautham Menon," she concludes.