Maranamass actor Rajesh Madhavan on why his serial killer role was tricky: 'It had to be fun, and..' | Exclusive

A supporting actor, a comedian, a lead hero, and now a villain! Rajesh Madhavan has been able to fit into varied roles in Malayalam cinema over the last decade, and his trysts with cinema go beyond just acting. The actor, who is also a sought-after casting director and assistant director, is also gearing up for his first directorial venture. 

Rajesh Madhavan’s latest film Maranamass, starring Basil Joseph, has made its OTT release on SonyLiv and OTTplay Premium. In an exclusive interview with OTTplay Premium, Rajesh Madhavan traces his acting journey that began with a small role in Fahadh Faasil’s Maheshinte Prathikaaram, the villain role in Maranamass and more. Read on..

So in Maranamass, you play a serial killer (SK) but there is comedy also. So, how did you approach the role?

Director Sivaprasad is a friend of mine. And Siju is writing the story, so I knew that it would be fun. But I was not given that much freedom to explore much comedy in this. Actually, that character doesn't have it. Not that they didn’t give, the character was such. I was told to hold on to a particular meter between the two. Then I carried on like that. 

You have action scenes in the climax. How was it performing action sequences?

This is the first choreographed action sequence I have done. I have done small action scenes in movies such as Madanolsavam. Kalai Master, who also choreographed the stunts in Marco, has done the action sequences in Maranamass. He really supported me, and I told him that this was the first time I was doing choreographed action. And it is when I do new things that I find happiness. I was really excited about doing action sequences. I really like it.

For humorous characters, it is often said that actors improvise a lot. Have heard that Jagathy sir used to do it. From the character’s name SK to the Chacha ji appearance in Maranamass, everything looked interesting. How much did you improvise, in terms of performance and appearance?

Even though I do comedy, I am a director’s actor and follow their instructions. As Sivaprasad really knows me, my focus is on doing what they tell me to. It is Sivaprasad and Siju Sunny who created the role. They also won’t let you improvise like that. The more input I get, the more I will improve accordingly. 

In your performance, dialogue delivery is a standout aspect. You consciously worked on your dialogue delivery or is it a natural part of your performance?

It is what happens naturally. I feel that I should really concentrate more on dialogue delivery. This role was a bit tricky because it had to be fun, and we should not move away from his character. He should turn into a villain character towards the end. If you move a bit further away, it becomes slapstick and a little bit over-the-top. Sivan instructed on whether to dial up or tone down for dialogues, and after several attempts, I reached there.

You worked with Basil Joseph in Minnal Murali. But in that, he was the director, and you played a constable. But in Maranamass, it is a hero-villain combination. So, how was that experience?

I really like Basil Joseph as an actor and director. I really wanted to work with him, and it is now that I got an opportunity. When any of my films release, Basil calls me and shares his opinions. So we have a connection like that. It is really comfortable to act alongside someone like Basil, who is quite a sensation now. Basil has helped quite a bit with this character. 

Similarly, Minnal Murali star Tovino Thomas has co-produced Maranamass. So, when an actor produces the film, was there more freedom to improvise, was it more comfortable to work?

Definitely! Tovino Thomas Productions is one of the best productions in Malayalam. I know Tovino from his Maayanadhi days, when I was the assistant director on that set. So they ensured that we, actors, were always comfortable. After shooting some scenes, he will come and say, 'The character is good, keep going like this'. He would always encourage and was very supportive. Tovino's brother Tingston was the one who was with us and took care of everything for us. Their production has really helped the movie.

From humour roles to lead character in Sureshanteyum Sumalathayudeyum Hrudayahariyaya Pranayakadha. How do you look back at your journey?

I am not someone who came to cinema, hoping to become a great actor. I wanted someone to be involved in the work behind the cinema. But amid this, I also got a chance to work in movies too and that continued. Now, I have reached the lead, villain roles. All these unexpected events happened at various phases. It is very surprising. I am happy that I am getting good roles. I am not looking to do films in the same format. I always want to do different characters. That somehow happens. For someone like me, with this physique, getting to do lead roles is really a happy thing.

You were noticed in your first movie. The scene, involving the kids singing Jana Gana Mana and gooseberries, is still popular.

I knew both Dileesh Pothan and Syam Pushkaran, and that’s how I became a part of the film. Dileesh Pothan’s set is the most comfortable to act in. I was naturally scared as it was my film and I did not understand what was happening. But Dileesh Pothan knows what exactly he wants and does a clean job of filmmaking.

Apart from acting, you have worked as a casting director for Nna Thaan Case Kodu and assistant director for Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum. You have been a part of movies in various capacities even after becoming a notable actor. How was that experience?

I started behind the camera as a production controller first, and then acted in a film. And after my first acting venture, I worked as an assistant director on a Dileesh Pothan film. I have always been involved in the production side of films. It is only now recently that I focused solely on acting. As a casting director, I was able to cast several fresh faces, and I really enjoy the process.

About your directorial project Pennum Porattum?

My first directorial venture, Pennum Porattum, will be releasing soon. We are yet to fix the date. Now, the mixing process is ongoing. It will be a slightly different type of cinema that everyone can enjoy with some new actors.

But I had to deal with all the problems that come with filmmaking. When you are an actor, it is about presenting the character and our focus is on meeting the director’s imagination. But when you are the director, you are supposed to have all the answers. It is a very long process and needs to set aside time. I was really scared about directing a movie, but I had to do it to continue this journey like this. I believe I have taken a good film.

Apart from films, you were also recently seen in Roshan Mathew’s play Bye Bye Bypass. So, how was it performing live before the audience?

We had done a play before - A Very Normal Family, and it took some time before we could do a second play together. Roshan came up with this play, and we could all be a part of it. I have been associated with plays from a young age. When you are working in films, there are not many ways to continue with this. But Roshan and Darshana really made a strong effort, and that’s why we have been able to continue. It is a beautiful play about children, family and nostalgia, that people would like. Being a part of this play has been one of the most enjoyable moments for me presently. I would like to do more such plays.

What are your upcoming projects?

The film that is awaiting release is Dheeran, produced by Cheers Entertainments and directed by Devadath Shaji. That will be released in July. I will be doing the titular character Dheeran.

What are your expectations as Maranamass is set to make its OTT release through SonyLiv as it would reach a larger audience?

Most of those people who saw the film had personally called and congratulated me for the performance of this character, which was given to me by Sivaprasad, Siju and the producers. It is one of my best characters in my career. There was also the excitement of working with Basil. Since this is the first film of my friend Sivan, I was careful in my portrayal. I am really happy that people liked it, and now with it coming on OTT, more people should watch it and I hope these positive reactions will continue.

Maranamass is available for streaming on SonyLiv and OTTplay Premium