Nithya Menen, the National award-winning actress, shared her profound insights into the art of acting at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI). She was addressing an In-Conversation session on ‘Character and Actor: The Power of Nuance’ at the Kala Academy at IFFI in Panaji, Goa.
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.
Gut Instinct and Film Selection: Trusting the Process
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, visualizing 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 credits 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 has 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 emphasized 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.
