Anarkali Marikar: I said yes to Sulaikha Manzil because…| Exclusive

Anarkali Marikar is certainly one of those actresses in new age Malayalam cinema who have won the love and admiration of many. The actress recently appeared in Ashraf Hamza’s latest directorial Sulaikha Manzil, which was released on the big screen on Friday. In an exclusive chat with OTTplay, the actress spoke of why she said yes to the film, which saw her share the screen with Lukman Avaran.

“It was a role I had never done before, of an innocent young Muslim girl”, began Anarkali. “ Most of the characters I’m offered are very bold, vocal women. And also the crew were amazing, and were one of the biggest reasons I said yes to the film.”

In a conversation with us earlier, director Ashraf Hamza had said that the film was a love story between two people who are about to get married to each other. Asked what makes Sulaikha Manzil stand apart from run of the mill romantic dramas, Anarkali says that the film would definitely be relatable to anyone living in the Malabar regions, and added “The film has a lot of relatable content for people in the community, be it the scenes involving the big wedding or the other scenes.

The other thing is, an arranged marriage is not something that films usually romanticise or glorify, but the film attempts to see the beauty in such unions. That's why I think the film stands out from other romantic dramas”.

On her character in the film Haala, Anarkali reveals that although Haala has a certain sense of innocence, she is bold in her own way. “She is a sweet, family girl who makes sure to keep her family happy. She’s bold, but also considerate of other people’s emotions as well”.

Sulaikha Manzil, which also stars Chemban Vinod Jose, Mammukoya, and Shabareesh Varma, is now playing in theatres.