Arjun Ashokan: ‘Soubin Shahir’s Parava opened the door to new film offers for me’

Arjun Ashokan, the promising young actor in Malayalam cinema, is on a roll after his captivating performance in Romancham and Pranya Vilasam. The first-look poster of his new film Theepori Benny was recently released on social media, featuring Arjun in a rustic setting, where he is seen sitting in front of a cowshed. In a recent interview, the actor said that his character in Soubin Shahir’s Parava opened the door to new offers for him in the industry.

“I got the chance to work in Unda and Trance, because of my character Hakeem in Parava. After that film, I was offered Mandharam, where I got acquainted with Asif Ali. Later, I worked with Asif Ikka in B. Tech, directed by Mridul Nair,” Arjun told Movie World media.

The actor strongly believes that one who has the potential can never be ousted or rejected from cinema. “While working with a crew for 30-40 days in a set, we automatically feel a vibe with some people and tend to form a bond with those who share a similar energy and outlook as ourselves,” he elaborated.

Parava, starring Dulquer Salmaan, was Soubin’s directorial debut. The plot follows a few friends in Mattancherry, Kochi. The film was well received at the theatres, and the performance of all the actors, including Arjun, was lauded

Later on, Arjun was featured in lead roles in films like Member Rameshan 9am Ward, Pranaya Vilasam and Thrishanku. His portrayal of Hamza in Nivin Pauly’s Thuramukham, which depicted workers’ struggles and protests against the Chappa  system, was also praised recently.

Theepori Benny, directed by Rajeesh Mohan, has Minnal Murali fame Femina George playing the female lead. Besides that, the film boasts a cast of veteran actors - including Jagadish, TG Ravi and Prem Prakash. Joji Thomas, who penned Biju Menon’s Vellimoonga and Kunchako Boban’s Johny Johny Yes Papa, has done the script for the film. Even though the plot is still under wraps, the film is thought to focus on the relationship of a father and son, with conflicting ideologies.

Meanwhile, Arjun also features in Kunchako’s Chaaver, an action thriller directed by Tinu Pappachan, after Swathanthryam Ardharathriyil and Ajagajantharam.