Jayaram Reflects on Four-Decade Career and Emotional Father-Son Reunion
With a distinguished career spanning nearly four decades, Jayaram has cemented his status as a beloved and familiar presence across the vibrant South Indian film industries. In a remarkably candid and expansive conversation, the versatile actor opens up about multiple facets of his professional journey and personal philosophy. He speaks passionately about reuniting with his son Kalidas Jayaram on screen after almost two decades in the upcoming film Ashakal Aayiram, navigating the complex landscape of character roles across different languages, his enduring love for heartfelt family narratives, and discovering profound joy beyond the realm of cinema.
'We Waited Patiently for the Right Script to Act Together'
Speaking about the long-awaited on-screen reunion with his son Kalidas, Jayaram recalls with warmth, "When Kalidas was young, we acted together in two films. He ended up in Sathyan Anthikad's Kochu Kochu Santhoshangal quite by chance. Later, we collaborated on Ente Veedu Appuvinteyum — a Sibi Malayil film." The actor reveals that they received numerous offers for father-son roles in both Tamil and Malayalam over the years. However, he explains, "It often felt like the script was created merely for the sake of it, lacking genuine substance. So, we consciously waited for something truly exceptional. That pivotal moment arrived when Jude Anthany Joseph shared the compelling one-line concept of this film. We all instinctively felt this narrative would suit us perfectly."
'I Have Never Guided Kalidas as an Actor'
Addressing his approach to his son's acting career, Jayaram states unequivocally, "I have never guided Kalidas as an actor. When he undertook his first film, the guidance came entirely from Sathyan Anthikad — it is his brilliance that shaped that experience. The second film succeeded thanks to the powerful script from Bobby–Sanjay and the legendary direction of Sibi Malayil." He emphasizes, "I have never approached him to discuss a shot or technique. We do not even engage in conversations about selecting films. He follows his own path with determination."
'Malayalam Cinema is My Own Home, Like My Parents' House'
Reflecting on his connection to Malayalam cinema, Jayaram expresses deep sentiment, "I haven't worked in Malayalam for a few years now, aside from Sathyan Anthikad's Makal and Midhun Manuel Thomas's Abraham Ozler. Malayalam is my own home, akin to my parents' house." He adds, "If a genuinely good project emerges — even something that provides artistic satisfaction but may not achieve theatrical success — I am eager to participate." Regarding the evolution of film genres, he observes, "People often ask why I no longer do the family-oriented films of the '80s and '90s. The truth is, such scripts do not reach me anymore. Cinema has transformed dramatically; technology and audience preferences have shifted. A straightforward '80s family entertainer would not resonate today. However, if infused with freshness, these timeless stories about family relationships will always connect with Malayali audiences."
'Hard Work Ultimately Leads to Achieving Your Goals'
Discussing Kalidas's dedication, Jayaram notes, "Kalidas is immensely passionate about cinema and works tirelessly, regardless of success or failure." He shares a personal philosophy rooted in his own journey, "I firmly believe that persistent hard work enables us to achieve our goals eventually. My life taught me this invaluable lesson. I began as a medical representative, standing outside doctors' offices wearing a tie, with cinema perpetually on my mind. Later, I became a marketing executive for a chemical company, visiting factories while my thoughts remained fixated on films. I wished for cinema sincerely, and perhaps that sincere desire is why it found me. Similarly, his passion for cinema will yield great results in due time."
'Sometimes Our Characters Get Sacrificed in the Final Edit'
When questioned about character roles and the perception that actors like him are underutilized in other language industries, Jayaram provides insightful clarification, "This did not occur in all films. It has happened, particularly in Telugu and to some extent in Tamil. When we hear the initial story, our character is integral from start to finish. We commit when we appreciate the narrative. Their filming methods differ significantly from ours; production can span one to three years. Consequently, the raw output may be four to six hours long, but theatrical releases are limited to about two-and-a-half hours. During editing, our character sometimes gets sacrificed."
He elaborates with specific examples, "In films that Malayalis specifically criticized, I would allocate a day or two for dubbing, only to finish in half an hour. Upon inquiring about the remaining filmed portions, they cited length constraints. Audiences see the final cut and wonder about my role, but I had acted substantially more. Take Kantara, which provided excellent space and utilized footage properly. Currently, I am involved in a humorous Kannada film with Shivarajkumar and Sai Kumar. In Tamil, my upcoming projects include GDN alongside Madhavan, portraying an equally important character as Ambalapara Krishnan, and another film with Dhanush. Additionally, after two decades, I am reuniting with Urvashi on screen for a Tamil film directed by Pandiraj, where we play lead roles in a hilarious narrative. In Telugu, I am part of Naga Chaitanya's next, playing what I believe will be one of my finest characters."
'I Live Within My Own World, Cherishing Small Happy Moments'
Sharing his personal outlook, Jayaram reveals, "I have undertaken diverse roles across languages. Whether I have experienced similar variety in Malayalam is uncertain. I believe the break allowed me to return with a film like Ashakal Aayiram. I am someone who lives within my own world, finding joy in small, happy moments. I do not obsess over cinema every second of the year. I only wished for this much success, and I have received ample fulfillment. It has been 38 years, and I continue to have the fortune of applying makeup for roles in various languages without interruption. My personal interests include playing the chenda, farming, and traveling with my family — I always make time for these pursuits. I have played chenda for a very long time and often watch videos of other practitioners whenever possible."
'I Cannot Claim to Become a Character; I Somehow Behave'
On his acting methodology, Jayaram offers a humble perspective, "I have only heard others discuss mentally and physically preparing for characters. I have never engaged in such practices. I do not live for the character. I arrive on set, listen to the director's story, and if I have doubts or suggestions, I voice them. For instance, in Mani Ratnam's Ponniyin Selvan, when I presented myself, he simply said, 'This is my Nambi. Just do it like this.' I consistently ask directors if my performance aligns with their vision. Beyond that, I cannot claim to become the character or anything of that sort. I somehow behave (laughs)."
