The actor played a key role in 'Kazhcha', one of the episodes in the Malayalam anthology series 'Manorathangal'.
Published Aug 21, 2024 | 9:30 AM ⚊ Updated Aug 21, 2024 | 9:30 AM
Harish Uthaman in a still from 'Kazhcha', one of the episodes in 'Manorathangal'. (Supplied)
The Malayalam web series Manorathangal, an anthology of nine stories, is streaming on the ZEE5 platform from 15 August. The web show is an adaptation of the short stories penned by the legendary writer and Jnanpith Award winner MT Vasudevan Nair.
In an interview with South First, actor Harish Uthaman, who played a crucial role in Kazhcha—one of the episodes in Manorathangal—directed by Shyamaprasad, shared his experiences working on the series.
Harish Uthaman is well-known for his roles in Tamil and Telugu films. The actor made a mark for himself in Malayalam cinema with his spectacular performances in Mayaanadhi (2017), Kalki (2019), and Bheeshma Parvam (2022).
Q. How did you feel when you learned you were part of Kazhcha in Manorathangal?
A. Firstly, I felt Manorathangal would be a celebration of MT (Vasudevan) sir. I was super excited to join the project, knowing that people would surely appreciate and enjoy a visual adaptation of his books.
Secondly, whether it’s a movie or a web series, acting in MT sir’s script is every actor’s dream. It’s still surreal that I had the opportunity to portray a character written by the legendary writer. I never imagined I would get to do something like this.
I have known Shyam ettan (Shyamaprasad) for some time, and he encouraged me to take on roles beyond the typical villains. In Kazhcha (Manorathangal), my role was a lot smoother and softer than my previous ones. I thank Shyam ettan for considering me for it.
Q. How was your experience working with a veteran director like Shyamaprasad?
The actor also works in Tamil and Telugu film industries. (Supplied)
A. It was a great experience to work with him. Shyam ettan is gentle in his approach, especially while getting work done by his actors.
If he feels there’s a need for correction or improvement, he’ll simply say, “Harish, please do it this way (the way he envisions a scene)”. That’s it. He doesn’t enact the scenes and emotions or tell the actors how to perform.
I have worked with Shyam ettan before in Kasiminte Kadal (2023). It hasn’t been released in theatres yet. It might hit an OTT platform directly.
I believe Shyam ettan roped me in for Kazhcha because he knows me well and we have worked together before.
Q. How do you feel about sharing the screen with Parvathy Thiruvothu? The story of Kazhcha is not set in modern times. What was the process like?
A. Stories have no age. Going back to those times gives me a good feeling. Everything might be modern now, but we have a “wow” moment when we see some antique things. It was the same feeling while doing this project.
I had a few scenes with Parvathy Thiruvothu in the episode. She has a wealth of experience and is a talented artiste. Working with her was a mutually rewarding experience.
Q. Tell us about your character in Kazhcha.
A. It wasn’t particularly challenging for me. I just had to be myself to make it work. It’s a pleasure to play a character created by MT sir.
Q. Why do you feel Manorathangal is unique?
A. Firstly, there is a wide audience for MT Vasudevan Nair sir’s stories. Those who have read his stories will be eagerly waiting to watch Manorathangal.
Secondly, MT sir’s stories are deeply emotional and rooted in human nature and complexities. All nine stories in the series reflect the same.
People familiar with his work will recognise the pattern of his stories and will enjoy and relate to them.
Q. You have worked in Mayaanadhi, Kalki, and Bheeshma Parvam, each of which features different roles. How do you choose your roles in Malayalam?
Harish Uthaman’s next includes Tovino Thomas-starrer ‘Ajayante Randam Moshanam’. (Supplied)
A. I always have the urge to take on roles I haven’t done before. In Malayalam cinema, I’ve been offered characters that are very experimental and different. I enjoy them.
And here, people do recognise me from Mayaanadhi. They noticed and appreciated my work in that film and also in Kalki and Bheeshma Parvam. I’m truly happy to get such a wide variety of roles in Malayalam.
Q. You have worked in other industries too. How do you perceive Malayalam cinema?
A. Stories in Malayalam cinema are deeply rooted. Here, each story has a geography, a life or a community. I’ve felt that Malayalam cinema has a unique flavour tied to its place.
Nevertheless, commercial cinema (Tamil or Telugu) has a pattern.
Q. You must have seen MT Vasudevan Nair’s old films. Did you take any references from those characters?
A. No, I didn’t take any references. When Shyam ettan called me, I felt that as an actor, I must approach the director with a clean slate. The small nuances he shares help us embody the character the way he envisions it.
Q. How different is working on a week series and cinema?
A. The only difference is in the duration. For an actor, there’s no difference between these formats.
Q. Tell us about your new film Ajayante Randam Moshanam.
A. All I can say is that Ajayante Randam Moshanam will be an important film in my career. I’m thrilled for its release.
(Edited by Y Krishna Jyothi)
