Exclusive: Lijomol Jose: I'm happy I could play the character of a voiceless in Jai Bhim

Suriya-starrer Jai Bhim, which started premiering on Amazon Prime Video from Tuesday, opened to positive reviews. The performance of Lijomol Jose, who played Sengani, a helpless, but strong lady from a deprived community, has been receiving praises from one and all post the movie's release. In an exclusive chat with OTTplay, the young actress talks about the challenges she faced while essaying the character, coming on board for a film which touches upon a social cause, working with Suriya and more...

Your character has been receiving appreciation from critics and audience alike. How excited were you when you came on board?

To begin with, I'm happy that I could reach huge number of audience across 200 countries through Amazon Prime Video. I was called for an audition by director Gnanavel sir after he liked my performance in Sivappu Manjal Pachai.

I came on board after he okayed my audition. Later, he narrated the script and I felt that the story which is based on a real incident has a strong message. Moreover, I realized that my character, Sengani, has a lot of scope to perform and impress the audience.  

This is your third movie in Tamil. How different was it to portray this character when compared to your earlier outings?

Post Sivappu Manjal Pachai, I was mostly approached for 'sister roles'. I didn't want to be stereotyped, and hence, stayed away from such characters. I was on the lookout for performance-oriented roles, and luckily, I landed this offer. This was completely contrasting to what I had essayed in not just Tamil, but the ones in Malayalam, too.  

How was it to play a strong character in a project that features a star like Suriya? He is also the producer of the movie...

I didn't know that he is playing the protagonist's role in Jai Bhim. I liked my character and expressed interest in playing it. All I knew was that the movie is being produced by his production house and that it carries a relevant message. I was told that Suriya sir is essaying the lead role only after I officially signed the project. The scale of the project became bigger when he came on board and I was really thrilled. 

You play a character who hails from Irular community, who are considered as backward people both socially and economically. How difficult was it to fit into the character's shoes?

I had no idea about Irular community until I took up this role. We had a training for around 40 days and I was provided with a lot of information by the director about the community, their behaviour, daily activities and body language. In fact, it was during these 40 days that I brushed up on my Tamil. 

Since I wasn't fluent in the language, I couldn't interact much with people from the community. As days passed, I could feel the transformation. The director often asked me to think like Sengani and develop thoughts around the character's struggles. I badly want to meet the lady on whom my character was written, but unfortunately, I couldn't.  

What according you to is the highlight of Jai Bhim?

Though the film is based on an incident which happened in the 90s, the topic discussed in it is still relevant. I'm sure the movie will be an eye-opener for many and make at least a few raise voice against inequality in the society. 

What kind of impact did the movie made on you?

I have often come across news about inequality and caste discrimination. But I never went in search of too many details pertaining to it. Now, I think I have seriously started looking things from the perspective of those who suffer. I'm happy I could play the character of a voiceless. I believe that my role would initiate some kinds of change in the society.