Deepti Sati: Vinayan sir considering me for Pathonpatham Noottaandu was a huge relief for me

A few days ago, the makers of Pathonpatham Noottaandu released the character poster of Deepti Sati’s Savithri Thampuratti, which had the actress in a completely different avatar than the ones that Mollywood have been used to seeing her in movies such as Nee-Na, Driving Licence and Pullikkaran Staraa. That’s the prime reason, Deepti admits, that she grabbed the role in Vinayan’s directorial that is set in 1885 and revolves around the life of social reformer and warrior Arattupuzha Velayudha Panicker, played by Siju Wilson. 

In a quick chat with OTTplay, Deepti talks about his experience of working in the film and also about her upcoming movies including Manju Warrier’s Lalitham Sundaram and the lady superstar’s Bollywood debut with Madhavan. 

Tell us about playing the role of Savithri Thampurati in the period film Pathonpatham Noottaandu.

I got a call from Vinayan sir’s team and they told they wanted to cast me in this character. Actors are selfish. I always want to be an actor who can show different sides of me and get to play different roles. I try to put myself in difficult situations and mould myself like that. I made my Malayalam debut with Nee-Na playing an urban, tomboyish role and people, to be honest, cannot see me apart from that. I would always be getting roles similar to that. Vinayan sir has been directing for over 20 years and that they considered me for a role like Savithri was a huge relief for me. 

Pathonpatham Noottandu might not have the biggest stars but the fact that they are making a period film that is based on a true story was something that excited me. For me, there is so much more to the project than just the stars; its story and making – all of that matters. 

Savithri is also a dancer and you being one yourself must have lent itself naturally to the role.

Yes, I was happy because I never really got a chance to showcase that side of me. I am a classically trained dancer. But the opportunities that come my way are very different from what I have learnt or the skill set I have. As an actor, you want to portray as many of your skills as possible. Savithri is also a classical dancer and the film has a song that let me show that side. Also, the movie was shot beautifully. Because it’s a period film, it was shot on a large scale with so many characters and junior artistes; there’s just so much happening in the movie. 

It was also shot during the pandemic. Was there an underlying fear of COVID-19 because it was a big film with a lot of artistes?

All precautions were taken during the film’s shoot. We went on floors after the first lockdown was lifted, with all the necessary permissions. It was only by the end of the shoot that the second wave began rising and it became a bit tricky for the production team. 

You are also part of Lalitham Sundaram, which has Manju Warrier and Biju Menon in the lead. What can you tell us about the movie?

I play a Bengaluru-based urban girl in the film; it’s a very relatable role. The film revolves around a family in which Biju Menon, Manju chechi and Anu Mohan are there. It belongs to a feel-good genre. We have finished its shoot and dubbing, and are now awaiting its release. 

Lalitham Sundaram is completely different to Pathonpatham Noottandu, which is set in 1885, from the mannerism, hair and make-up to the way you talk. The process of hair and make-up, especially how authentic they kept it, was unbelievable. They would use kanmashi and even for the pottu of that time, they used to apply colour and shape it. Vinayan sir was very particular about these. As a person who was born and brought up in Mumbai, I haven’t seen all of these and it was interesting for me.   

What are the other projects coming up?

Along with these, I am also part of a Bollywood film with Manju chechi. Apart from that, I am in talks for a couple of OTT series. So, I am really looking forward to some exciting roles to play. 

Also read: Sudev Nair: For Pathonpatham Noottandu, Siju and I had to put our bodies on the line