In an interview with South First, Asha Madathil shares her perspective on 'Brarthamanam' in 'Soul Stories' and the important themes it addresses.
Published Oct 23, 2024 | 2:27 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 23, 2024 | 2:27 PM
Asha Madathil. (Supplied)
After making a strong impression with her outstanding performance in Tholvi FC (2023), Philips (2023) and Golam (2024), Asha Madathil is now back with a new anthology web series Soul Stories.
Currently streaming on Manorama Max, the series features five interconnected stories, with Asha playing a central role in Brarthamanam, which tackles body image and body shaming issues. It explores women’s choices and how society judges them.
In an interview with South First, Asha Madathil shares her perspective on Brarthamanam and the important themes it addresses.
Here are the edited excerpts:
Q. What made you accept the role in Soul Stories?
A. I was drawn to the story’s theme, which remains relevant across time. The issue it highlights has affected women in their homes and society for a long time.
I personally experienced similar challenges in my younger years, so I could relate to the story. Back then, women couldn’t speak out and had to stay silent. However, times have changed, and young women today are bold enough to confront these issues head-on.
Asha Madathil plays a key role in ‘Soul Stories’. (Supplied)
Q. You mentioned having similar experiences in your younger days, how did you tackle those situations?
A. Yes, I faced similar issues when I was younger, they made me feel inferior and also impacted my personality to some extent. Back then we didn’t have the courage to speak up.
I am not sure if people are still commenting on women’s bodies and clothes in families of society, but the younger generation is much more confident and mature in handling such situations.
Similarly, in this story too, my character’s daughter is a strong woman. She navigates these challenges skillfully and also supports her mother throughout.
Q. Do you think films can influence society? And will Soul Stories do the same?
Asha Madathil is becoming popular with good roles. (Supplied)
A. Absolutely, films have a significant influence on society. While working on Soul Stories, we were mindful that the series should speak to the people affected by the issues we were highlighting. We can only hope that viewers will understand and reflect on the issues we’ve raised.
It’s important to strive for equality rather than labelling films as “women-oriented.”
Q. The series also talks about mental health issues. What’s your take on that?
A. Taking treatment for mental health is still taboo in many parts of society. The series highlights the mental health struggles of Nalini and her daughter, who initially had a strained relationship.
The way they overcome these issues is an important aspect of the story, and I think it’s portrayed well.
Q. Last time we spoke, you expressed your desire to do a variety of roles in future, since then how do you see your journey?
A. Lately, I’ve been offered roles with more depth, and I’m thrilled about that. I’ve always wanted to take on meaningful roles, and I’m happy with the opportunities I’ve received recently.
Q. What is your take on web series giving opportunity to small-scale actors?
A. Web series have opened up a fantastic platform for actors. Stardom isn’t the focus here—it’s about talent, and that’s a good thing. In Malayalam as well, web series are giving actors exposure on a global scale.
Q. What is the feedback you are getting on the series?
A. The response has been overwhelmingly positive. People have said they were so engrossed in the character I portrayed that they almost didn’t recognise me, which is a great compliment.
Asha is part of new webseries ‘Anali’ and ‘Eyes’. (Supplied)
Q. What can you tell about your new release Kundanoorile Kulsita Lahala?
A. In this film, I play the role of a daily wage worker, which is a very different role from the roles I’ve played earlier. There are also some action scenes, which was a new and challenging experience.
It’s the first time we had a dedicated action choreographer for fight sequences involving women.
Q. What are your other upcoming projects?
A. Kundanoorile Kulsita Lahala is my next release. I’m also part of the web series Anali, directed by Midhun Manuel Thomas, and another series called Eyes, directed by Manu Ashokan.
I’m also working on Identity with Tovino Thomas and Azaadi, which stars Sreenath Bhasi.
