Meet Yama, the theater artist who won hearts as the police officer in Nayattu

Actress Yama is someone who enjoys the thrill in the spontaneity of life. She doesn’t plan anything ahead as she cannot see the real beauty in it. Yama is enjoying her pregnancy at home while her latest movie Nayattu is garnering great reviews from both the audience and the critics alike. Her portrayal of Crime Branch SP Anuradha in the Martin Prakkat directorial is winning praises from all quarters. Though she hasn’t been able to watch the movie in the theater, Yama is busy answering to phone calls and congratulatory messages.

Theater and writing have been Yama’s favorite areas of interest. Having completed her education and training from Thrissur School of Drama and the National School of Drama in New Delhi, acting is a genuine passion for Yama. However, she isn’t interested in making acting her profession. “Acting is indeed my passion. But, I would act only when I like. That is when it gets an organic and aesthetic quality,” says Yama.

Isn’t this your first main stream movie?

Yes, it is. Earlier, I have acted in parallel movies like Chithrasoothram and Prathibhasam directed by Vipin Vijay.

How did you land the role in Nayattu?

I have been working on a novel for the last three years. In between I felt a small block and wasn’t able to continue writing. I then decided to travel a bit and Martin’s call came when I was in Ootty. When I told him that I was interested in acting in a movie, he asked me to listen to the story first. Then, screenwriter Shahi Kabir called me and narrated the story. Though I liked the story and my role, I said I wanted to read the screenplay. They sent me the screenplay too.

How was your experience filming in the forest?

Everyone in the location had struggled due to the uniqueness of the terrain. Many scenes were shot inside dense forest. We had to walk for almost an hour into the forest, from where the vehicle stops, to reach the sets. Besides, the weather was chilly too. My ankle sprained and I fell down, hitting my knees, immediately after I did my first sequence. As I didn’t feel the pain due to the cold weather, I continued filming. However, I had to rest for 5 months, to heal, after completing the shooting.