IFFI 2024, 22: Nithya Menen and the Power of Nuance

National award-winning actress, Nithya Menen, shared her insights into the art of acting, at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI).

Known for her nuanced performances in films like Thiruchitrambalam and OK Kanmani, the National Awardee spoke about the power of subtlety, the importance of emotional authenticity, and the challenges that come with portraying complex, real-world characters.

Nithya began by reflecting on her process of selecting films and facing criticism in the past for taking on "lighter" roles. Despite not following a formal method acting approach, her preparation involves observing the world, visualising scenes, and intuitively connecting with characters. For her, acting is about emotional connection, not necessarily personal experience, for instance, portraying a mother requires empathy and emotional quotient (EQ), rather than lived experience.

She expressed that rigidity and lack of confidence hinder an actor’s performance. Flexibility and openness to people and experiences are crucial, as is self-assurance she further added. She also underscored the importance of quiet atmosphere, to help actors tap into their emotions, without the pressure of a fast-paced schedule. She credited her heart-centered approach and emotional openness, for her ability to connect deeply with audiences across cultures and regions, making her performances universally relatable.

Speaking about how the inner feelings or character of an actor have a greater impact on the characters that they play she said, “Earlier, it was easier for me to emote sadness or cry, since I believe I had so much agony in me. There used to be some emotional scenes which was cathartic and I used to feel hugely relieved once the shot or scene is over. Today, as I look back I find it hard to cry. Maybe I am becoming a happy person as I grow.” Emotional authenticity is what matters most, she shared adding that it’s the sincerity of her emotions that drives her work, not the external circumstances surrounding a role.

She added that the industry has become more accepting of actresses over the years, with more opportunities and greater respect for women in cinema. In closing, Nithya emphasised that the purpose of a film is to stir the consciousness of its audience. “If a film fails to engage emotionally or intellectually, it loses its significance,” she expressed.

Nithya, full name NS Nithya was born in Bengaluru to Malayali parents, she is 34 years old. Also singer, Nithya Menen singer who works predominantly in Malayalam, Telugu and Tamil films. Having appeared in over 58 films, Menen is a recipient of several accolades, including a National Film Award, four Filmfare Awards South, two South Indian International Movie Awards and two Nandi Awards.

Following a child performance in the French-Indian English film, Hanuman (1998), Menen made her debut with the Kannada film 7 O' Clock (2006). Having her breakthrough with the 2011 romance film Ala Modalaindi, which earned her the Nandi Award for Best Actress, she won the Filmfare Awards for Best Actress and Critics Best Actress in Telugu, for Gunde Jaari Gallanthayyinde (2013) and Malli Idi Rani Roju (2015). Following Telugu success with Ishq (2012), Rudhramadevi (2015), Janatha Garage (2016) and Bheemla Nayak (2022).

After finding success in Malayalam Cinema with Ustad Hotel (2012), Bangalore Days (2014) and 100 Days of Love (2015), Menen found success in Tamil Cinema with Kanchana 2 (2015) and 24 (2016). Following a Filmfare Award winning performance in Mersal (2017), she won the Filmfare Critics Award and National Film Award for Best Actress for her outstanding performance in Thiruchitrambalam (2022). She ventured into Hindi films with the science drama Mission Mangal (2019), which remains her highest-grossing release.