One-minute stunt in 'Kannur Squad', but this Thrissur girl is making waves

'Kannur Squad', which is creating a lot of noise at the box office, is also receiving a great measure of appreciation for it's wonderfully choreographed action sequences. Actor Catherine Maria, who hardly had a minute of screen space in the film, is making waves on social media for her short, yet powerful jump-action scene.

For the film, the makers had invited auditions from young women who were well-versed in martial arts for the lengthy encounter scene in the fictional Tikri village in Uttar Pradesh for the movie. “When I saw the audition call, I decided to apply since I was a silver medalist at the Judo championship held at the state level. I was also part of the Kabadi national team,” she said.

Catherine says her action sequence was completed in two takes. “I was supposed to make a huge leap after jumping on another person's back to hit Mammootty sir's character George Martin. This was done without any ropes. There was a small risk involved. After I got up after performing the scene, Mammootty sir gave me a shake-hand appreciating my jump. He then enquired in English if I was fine. Sir thought I was from North India since the make-up artist had completely transformed me into a villager from Uttar Pradesh. I replied in Malayalam. He was surprised to know that I was a Malayali,” said Catherine with a laugh.

According to the Thrissur native, the superstar also asked her if she had any dialogues in the film. 'I told him I was there only to perform that one scene,” she said, adding that she felt privileged to work in a movie with Mammootty. “I was also elated to know that I had a scene with him. Initially, I was told I would be involved in a combat with Rony David or Azeez ikka who played the other cops in the film,” she said.

Catherine, who previously essayed the role of Sanusha's friend in the movie 'Jaladhara Pumpset Since 1962' plays a villager who has an encounter with the Kannur Squad in Tikri village. The film, which hit theatres last week, revolves around a group of cops who travels the length and breadth of the country to capture a murder accused.