In an exclusive interview with South First, Hakim speaks about his experiences working in different films and his thoughts on filmmaking and acting.
Published Oct 09, 2024 | 2:18 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 09, 2024 | 2:18 PM
Hakim Shahjahan. (Supplied)
Malayalam actor Hakim Shahjahan, last seen in Oru Kattil Oru Muri (2024), started his journey in the Malayalam film industry as an associate director.
Subsequently, he started acting in films such as ABCD (2013), Rakshadhikari Baiju Oppu (2017), Nayattu (2021), and Kadaseela Biriyani (2021). The short film Freedom @ Midnight (2021) also gathered praise from critics and audiences alike.
Despite acting in various films, Hakim came to the limelight with his roles in Archana 31 Not Out (2022), The Teacher (2022), Pranaya Vilasam (2023) and Kadakan (2024).
With Katha Innuvare (2024) and Oru Kattil Oru Muri Hakim Shahjahan became a household name.
In Oru Kattil Oru Muri, Hakim played the role of a taxi driver, who deals with many interpersonal issues.
In an exclusive interview with South First, Hakim speaks about his experiences working in different films and his thoughts on filmmaking and acting.
Edited excerpts of the interview:
Q. I have noticed you first in Archana 31 Not Out. Since then, you have done different roles, how do you choose the roles?
A. When I am offered a role, two things I consider are if I could pull off the role and if I could relate to it.
I’m happy if it is a character role, too; it doesn’t always have to be a lead role until I can try and experience something new.
I don’t think I have the privilege to choose which roles I want to do as of now. However, I say no to 90 percent of the roles offered to me because they don’t offer anything exciting. There should be something that drives me from the start of the shooting till the release of the movie.
Q. What is that excitement factor you look for?
Hakim Shahjahan in ‘Oru Kattil Oru Muri’. (Supplied)
A. When I do a film, there should be some value I add.
For a movie to be successful, all the elements of filmmaking have to work. I am always excited to know if the things I did, may it be dubbing or a fight sequence worked, we get to know only when the film hits the screens.
However, when my character got a reception from the audience as I expected, it was a very satisfying and happy moment for me.
But then when our perception is different from that of the audience, that’s a failure. Cinema is magic and all these things don’t always come together.
However, not every film is liked by everyone, we can’t always make films to satisfy others. For example, many people liked Oru Kattil Oru Muri, but some people say it’s an average movie. The people who liked the film are talking about the poetic nature.
Q. I have felt that you are a subtle actor. When a director briefs you on a role, what will you think first? How do you communicate with the filmmaker?
A. Cinema is always a work of collaboration. Even in the case of drama, it’s a give-and-take process. If we just do what the director says, and not add our touch, it won’t help as a performer. Personally, for me, I can always perform better when I have full freedom.
In Kadaseela Biriyani and Pranaya Vilasam, I wasn’t told that I had to act in this way or that way, I wasn’t asked how I would conceive that character. I was able to respond to my co-actors and add value to my characters.
In those films, the directors led from the front. They used to tell me if there were changes in my acting or metre of the character.
When controlled, an actor can’t do much. Definitely, there is the director’s vision, but an actor’s contribution is more important. It’s a creative collaboration.
It is not good if the director interferes with the performance of the actor.
Q. Is there any role model for you in acting? What kind of roles would you like to do?
A. As I said earlier, I would like to do all kinds of roles, I don’t have any role models in acting. I didn’t come to the cinema business because I was a fan of some actors. I usually watch a lot of international cinema, and because of that, I connect very little with Indian cinema.
However, many good films are made in Malayalam like Kishkinda Kaandam (2024). I like those films that are a blend of art and business.
Q. How has your theatre background helped you in acting?
Hakim Shahjahan with the SIIMA award. (Supplied)
A. It has helped me in a big way. While the process in a theatre is difficult and different, it forms the base. A play can help us overcome our fear as we embrace a moment and execute it on the stage.
Cinema is more technical and business-oriented. There is fame and money involved. However, Cinema has evolved from Drama. Drama has a soul, and my training in drama has helped me in acting too.
I have also directed my play, and done amateur plays. This experience has helped me while acting as I can identify the story and the character.
Q. In Oru Kattil Oru Muri, you were able to work with Raghunath Paleri and Shanawas Bavakutty. How was the experience working with them?
A. I know Raghunath Paleri sir previously too. I worked with him in Asif Ali’s Kotthu (2022). During the shoot, we developed a friendship. Sir is a very approachable person and has a treasure trove of stories from film sets he worked on. Working with him has always been a great learning experience.
Shanavas Bavakutty called me after seeing my performance in Pranaya Vilasam. He loves cinema and everything about it, and the experience of working with him was unique, it is difficult to put into words.
Q. You worked as assistant director initially. Which one do you enjoy, acting or directing?
Hakim Shahjahan will be seen next in ‘Bazooka’. (Supplied)
A. Directing is more difficult and time-consuming. From ideation to developing the story, to pitching it to producers, to roping in actors, to actually shooting, marketing, and the release of the film, everything is on the directors’ shoulders.
Finally, if the movie flops, it is another heartbreak. A hitmaker director can only make 20-25 films, but an actor has more opportunities to do many films in his career.
Q. Tell us about your new movie Bazooka and experience working with Mammootty.
A. I am waiting for the release of Bazooka. It was a very good experience working with the crew of the movie. It’s surely a dream come true for a newcomer to act with Mammookka (Mammootty). I could speak to him, I am happy that he now recognises me.
Q. What are your upcoming projects? Any ideas to direct now?
A. I have no plans to direct now. But I will surely do one. I am now working on the Malayalam movie Meesha directed by MC Joseph. There is also Bazooka, I am also part of some upcoming web series and Tamil projects.
(Edited by Sumavarsha Kandula)
