Lijomol Jose Interview: I am prepared to face both types of responses for Kaadhal Enbadhu Podhu Udamai

It has been quite a bit of a gap for actor Lijomol Jose in Tamil cinema. After her impactful performances in Jai Bhim and the Loners segment from Putham Pudhu Kaalai Vidiyaadhaa, the actor will be returning to Tamil with her film Kaadhal Enbadhu Podhu Udamai, the trailer of which was released recently.

With her recent Malayalam film Ponman shining in theatres, Lijomol who has been missing in action for over two years in Tamil, says, “Only when I am reminded of this, am I realizing that there has been a gap. I was doing films, but I guess it took time for them to get releases. But I think it is a good return with Kaadhal Enbadhu Podhu Udamai.”

Also read: Kaadhal Enbathu Podhu Udamai trailer OUT: Lijomol Jose-starrer promises a heartwarming tale of love 

Lijomol Jose Interview for Kaadhal Enbadhu Podhu Udamai

Nevertheless, despite the gap she had in Tamil cinema, Lijomol Jose feels she is coming strong with Kaadhal Enbadhu Podhu Udamai, a love story that not only highlights inclusivity, but is also an important tale to tell at times when homophobia is still rampant in what we may consider as a modern society.

“I was really excited when this character came to me. As we preach, this is not a taboo. This is very normal, and just because the majority are inclined towards one side, does not mean the minority too should agree. I wanted to break it, and I took the chance to break it through this film,” says Lijomol.

Lijomol admits that she did not know much about the queer community, and took the help of actor Malini Jeevaratnam through the course of shooting. “Through her, I watched a few films for references, even though they were very handful of Indian films like Geeli Pucchi. I also spoke with Anusha, who acted as my pair, to develop a bond and chemistry,” she adds.

Also read: Lijomol Jose on Ponman: I am eager to see how people will receive because every character in the film has..

While cinema has sporadically seen gay characters in men, say a Mumbai Police or Goa, the homosexual characters for women have been less explored. “As far as I am concerned, these are the topics that one should talk about but aren’t. Simply because a lot consider that this is not normal. I wanted to break that norm. Although I support that community, I wanted to voice out. When I got this opportunity and show my support and solidarity, I had no second thoughts. Like you said, gay men have slightly more privilege than lesbians, given they are men. Hence, films that focus on women and queerness should come more.”

The actor explains that Kaadhal Enbadhu Podhu Udamai not only focusses on the same-sex relationship, but also other aspects of relationships and their point of views. Lijomol, who plays the character Sam in the film, mentions that the film will explore the perspectives of every character and both sides.

‘Films are the best medium to bring about lot of changes in society’

Lijomol, whose character Senganni from Jai Bhim was lauded by many, may have been easy to convince, given the conflict and performance are very much straightforward and physical. However, when it comes to Sam from Kaadhal Enbadhu Podhu Udamai, which is internal, Lijomol says, “It was only through research and seeing films. I started believing that I love Anusha, and how would that be, what I feel, and the struggles if I have to tell my family. When confessing you like a boy might be tough in certain families, the coming out stage is even more difficult.”

Exploring more on her character, Lijomol says that her character Sam is impulsive, who could manage coming out, but that is not the case with many in real life. “For a lot, the coming out stage would be difficult and would rather hide themselves, as we speak. All this made me realise and helped me play Sam, who is bold enough to come out and confess her love to her mother.”

As an actor, Lijomol feels that films should be a balance between entertainment and education. “Cinema is an entertainment medium, but at the same time, films are the best medium to bring about a lot of changes in society. When we explore different perspectives, the film raises many questions and even answers them. We did not treat it as an art film, but something what a family audience can watch.”

Be it a new mother who returns to her profession of ethical hacking after a sabbatical in I Am Kathalan, or a domestic abuse survivor in Nadanna Sambhavam, Lijomol has played characters that are important to be told in a social context. Asked if it is a conscious decision, Lijomol says that it is always a character that matters to her, and is not just an eye candy. “What scope has my character got in the story, is the only conscious effort I take, and see what I can bring to the table.”

All said and done, Lijomol is prepared to expect both kinds of responses from Kaadhal Enbadhu Podhu Udamai. “There will be some who will appreciate our efforts and, at the same time the responses of the majority. I am mentally prepared to face the responses, and I know that not everyone will be accepting. But I am excited that it is the first time in Tamil cinema to have a queer film releasing on Valentine’s Day. I am more than eager to know the response and which one is more.”

Lastly speaking, when asked about how the recent Malayalam film Sookshmadarshini also touched upon a similar topic to Kaadhal Enbadhu Podhu Udamai, but in a different way, Lijomol says, “That film did not talk about the issue, or rather spoke largely on how the family reacted to it. But in this film, it is more about drama and how the family are taking in. It is more of a coming out story, the happenings, her self-acceptance, finding it normal, and forming peace with it.”

Lijomol concludes this conversation that Kaadhal Enbadhu Podhu Udamai, she is looking forward to know the responses from audience for the film, and hoping for a better change. The film is set to hit theatres on February 14.