Masthishka Maranam: Rajisha Vijayan on negative response to her dance number - I understand why people felt that way but… | Exclusive

Masthishka Maranam is a carefully curated world of director Krishand, with its cyberpunk plot, over-the-top characters, retro-futuristic setting, and almost every frame, attests its lead actress Rajisha Vijayan. The Malayalam actress, who is still winning appreciation for her Tamil film Bison, faced negative criticism from a section of the Malayali audience over her dance number in the Krishand film. But that seems to have had little or no effect on her, as she insists that cinema should speak for itself. In an exclusive interview with OTTplay, Rajisha Vijayan explains why she said yes to the dance number, collaborating with Krishand, upcoming projects and more.

What are your expectations as Masthishka Maranam is set for release?

I am pretty excited, nervous and all of those as the release is so close now. Expectations from a Krishand film are always high. So, having known this film, from script to making and post-production phase, I am very excited for it. I hope it can meet the expectations that everybody has for the film

How was your experience working with Krishand, who is known for his very distinct filmography?

It was lovely and very different. I have done close to 30 films, and I have never worked on such a set. Everything is meticulously planned. Everything has a sketchbook and storyboard. First of all, it is a new subject and it is set in 2046, so everything is new. The amount of planning that goes into a Krishand film is unbelievable. I have seen creative and mechanical approaches but he has a very scientific approach to filmmaking for creating art. A very intelligent, knowledgeable person, he shares a lot of new things with you. But filmmaking wise, we have shot with things that you will never think you will shoot with. I can’t divulge too much (laughs).

Also read: Krishand: Masthishka Maranam is my first box office movie | Exclusive 

Masthishka Maranam was introduced with your dance number, Komala Thamara. But it also garnered negative feedback. What is your response?

I don’t have much to react to it. I understand why people felt that way but I also know there is a reason why it is there in the film. I am pretty sure that whatever reaction has come would change when they watch the film.

An old video where you are stating you won’t be part of special dance numbers resurfaced and was circulated amid this. Do you think actresses or women in general are held more accountable for their statements?

I don't think there is accountability only to women. I feel as public figures, if you talk about something, there is accountability. And it does come with my job. But we are human beings, we are prone to change. Anybody can change their opinions anytime due to multiple reasons. This change has happened for a reason, for this film. And I am sure whoever is going to watch the film will understand. I feel that cinema should speak for itself rather than me giving out a statement.

What made you say yes to the dance number?

I was very much excited to do the film and the character Frida. And very much excited to do what the character required to do. Why I chose to do it is because the character required it and why the character required to do it is something the film will answer.

How did you prepare for the role of Frida Soman?

There was quite a bit of preparation for the character. I am an actor in the movie, set in 2046, and I had to look a certain way. So there was weight loss and the character needed a lot more agility. We had to learn boxing practice from a stunt master. These were the physical aspects to it and mentally too, she is a very unpredictable female. You don't know what she is going to do the next moment. The way she speaks, whatever she is saying is carefully curated. So I wanted to create whatever vision Krishand had in his mind. I wanted to do justice to the part. I don't know how much of it has translated to the screen. Whatever I could do, I have done.

What is your biggest takeaway from the movie?

Extremely happy to be part of a film that is one of a kind and that such characters have been written. Not just mine, that of Divya Prabha, Santhy and the others. Extremely happy that a lot of female characters were incorporated. It is the first cyberpunk movie from the industry. I got to work with some crazy actors and technicians, and learn a lot about filmmaking. Really hoping that great female characters will be written more and I would get to play some of them.

How was working with other noted actors Divya Prabha, Santhy Balachandran and others?

Fabulous actors and also made some good friends from the film. But more than friendship, watching these actors, men and women, perform their hearts out for this film. It is a very different kind of acting. Nobody is playing subtle characters here. It is slightly over-the-top. I haven’t got to do such an over-the-top character before. It was interesting to watch everyone catching on to the metre, getting into the skin of the character and there was a lot of collaborative efforts. Not everything is written down on paper, like dialoguewise. Krishand is a very collaborative filmmaker, he gives you the space to improvise and explore. Niranj, Sanju Sriram and others did a lot of improv acting.

Is Masthishka Maranam getting a sequel?

You may never know! After the first-day-first-show on February 27, you will know what is going to happen. Nevertheless, I am very much excited about this one.

Also read: Masthishka Maranam first review out! Viewers call Rajisha Vijayan film a 'wholesome entertainer'

You have two releases in three months with Kalamkaval and Masthishka Maranam. But before these, your last Malayalam film was Madhura Manohara Moham in 2023. Nearly a three-year gap between your Malayalam films?

Yes, there was a long break. I was waiting for a great character to come my way and it did eventually. In the meantime, I was doing Bison and Sardar 2 in Tamil. I am very happy that I got Kalamkaval and Masthishka Maranmam. I hope it won’t feel like a break when you watch the film. I have always believed in quality over quantity and I want to do what I want to do rather than just do it for the sake of doing it.

Your upcoming projects

There is Sardar 2. I am also shooting for Amal Neerad’s latest film, Bachelor Party D’eux. Also exploring other languages, but I never announce before the film is announced!

Masthishka Maranam movie FAQs

Q. What is Masthishka Maranam?

A. Masthishka Maranam is an upcoming Malayalam movie, slated to hit theatres on February 27, 2026.

Q. Who is the director of Masthishka Maranam?

A. Noted Malayalam director Krishand has helmed the movie Masthishka Maranam.

Q. What is the next movie of Rajisha Vijayan?

A. The next movie of Rajisha Vijayan is Masthishka Maranam.