Why Roslin star Anishma Anilkumar was cast in Youth? Ken Karunaas says ‘Tamil heroines were not ready to…’

Youth star Ken Karunaas explains why he cast a Malayali actress instead of Tamil heroines: Nobody was ready to act…

Ken Karunaas on casting Anishma Anilkumar

Actor Ken Karunas who has appeared in films like Asuran and Vaathi as supporting actor, is all set to make his directorial debut Youth in which he will also star in the lead role. The film is slated for release in March, and also co-stars Anishma Anilkumar who had recently appeared in Tamil film Sirai. While there has been a general criticism against Tamil actors and directors for casting heroines from Kerala as opposed to casting Tamil women, Ken Karunaas talked about why he cast Anishma in the film.

What did Ken Karunaas say about casting Malayali heroines?

Ken Karunaas’s directorial debut is gearing up for release on March 19. Titled Youth, the film is expected to be a youth-based entertainer. The first single Mutta Kalaki has been trending on social media with numerous reels being made.

Also read: Youth first review out: Ken Karunaas’ coming-of-age drama called the ‘relief film Kollywood has been waiting for’

Youth stars Anishma Anilkumar as one of the female leads. In a recent promotion for the film, Ken participated along with Anishma and addressed the criticism levelled against Tamil cinema; that often heroines from Malayalam industry are cast with less opportunities given to Tamil-native women. In this case, Ken while speaking to Radio Mirchi FM, said, "Many asked me why I cast mallus (Malayalis), but no Tamil actresses were ready to act with me. I approached many heroines, those who are acting now and of young age, but they were ready not to work with me. Or they were not ready to do the role I had for them. But here, I did not have any ego and purely do it for character. When I was speaking with director Suresh (of Sirai), he referred me to Anishma. I narrated it, and he okayed the next day.”

Also read: Youth release date: Ken Karunaas’ debut film to clash with Yash’s Toxic and Ranveer Singh-starrer Dhurandhar 2

Where to watch Anishma’s Sirai on OTT?

Meanwhile as you wait for Youth to hit theatres, you can stream Anishma’s latest film Sirai. The police procedural crime drama is streaming on ZEE5, and is directed by Suresh Rajakumari. Also available via OTTplay Premium, Sirai is a critically acclaimed film that revolves around a cop on escort duty who must submit a murder accused young man to the court. The film also stars Vikram Prabhu, LK Akshay Kumar and others.

Ken Karunaas FAQs

Q. Who is Ken Karunaas?

A. Ken Karunaas is son of actor Karunaas and has acted in films like Vaathi and Asuran.

Q. Who is the wife of Karunaas?

A. Singer Grace is wife of Karunaas.

Q. When is Youth releasing Ken Karunaas?

A. Youth, directed by Ken Karunaas is releasing on March 19.

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