Manjusree Nair, who plays Biji, the hot-tempered mother in Bethlehem Kudumba Unit, says she is nothing like the character. In an interview, she said Biji's anger comes from carrying an entire family's responsibilities. She herself grew up with a very strict father and decided early that she would be a friend to her own children and let them make their own decisions.
"Chechi, meter kettippidi"
Manjusree said she didn't realise how angry Biji was when director Girish AD first narrated the story. As someone who is always smiling, playing her was stressful. Her first scene, an angry outburst at the dining table, was shot on the day of the pooja, when she was meeting the whole team for the first time. Whenever her anger dipped in a scene, Girish would call out, "Chechi, meter kettippidi" (turn the meter up).
After the film's release, she said she received more messages than at any point in her career. Many were playful. Some asked what was wrong with Justin, others said they had never seen such a villainous mother, and comments under a photo with Nivin Pauly teased her for making Ashley's wedding so difficult.
On Mamitha and Nivin
Manjusree described Mamitha Baiju as grounded, someone who treats everyone on set equally. She said Mamitha doesn't retreat to her caravan after a scene but stays around the set. She also praised Nivin's subtle expressions, which she said have been his strength since his first film, pointing to his scenes with Bindu Panicker and the small airport conversations in this film.
A Mammootty dream
A Mammootty fan since childhood, she said her biggest career wish is to act with Mammootty at least once.
More on Mamitha: SJ Suryah calls her a 'nadippu arakki'.
Also read: Mamitha Baiju picks her Bethlehem Kudumba Unit and Premalu roles as closest to her real self
