Kerala Crime Files actor Rooth P John questions labeling actors portraying sex workers as ‘bold’

The crime series ‘Kerala Crime Files’ on Disney+Hotstar has been garnering favorable reviews from audiences even two weeks after its release. One of the standout performances in the series comes from actor Rooth P John, who portrays a murdered sex worker. In a recent interview, John delves into the challenges she faced while tackling this complex role.

John reveals that she initially had reservations about undressing in front of the camera for certain scenes. However, the director, Ahammed Khabeer, along with the rest of the cast and crew, took great care in creating a comfortable and supportive environment on set. This allowed John to overcome her inhibitions and fully commit to her character.

The discussion then turns towards the labeling of such roles as ‘bold’. John expresses her disagreement with this categorization and questions society’s perception of sex work and skin exposure onscreen. She emphasizes that actors portraying violent acts or engaging in actions such as murder are not subjected to the same scrutiny. She believes that normalizing the portrayal of sex workers and actors showing skin is a matter of shifting societal mindsets.

John highlights the experiences of other actors, such as Devaki Rajendran and Kani Kusruti, who have also been categorized as performers of ‘bold’ roles due to their portrayal of similar characters. She argues that such labeling is unfair and unjust, as it diminishes the range and depth of their performances.

Despite limited screen time, John received an outpouring of positive messages from viewers who appreciated her portrayal in the series. While her character, Swapna, was not meant to elicit sympathy or love, John is grateful for the recognition she received. She reveals that there were initial plans to explore more depth in her character’s narrative, but they were eventually dropped to maintain the intended emotional focus of the series.

John also discusses her experience working with the cast, particularly mentioning her interactions with Aju Varghese, who plays sub-inspector Manoj Sreedharan in the series. Although a scene between their characters was not included in the final cut, John speaks highly of Varghese’s down-to-earth nature and praises his support. She also expresses her gratitude for Lal sir, another cast member, whose encouragement boosted her confidence. John fondly remembers the camaraderie she shared with Navas Vallikkunnu, Sreejith, Sanju, and the rest of the cast. She also mentions her close friendship with Ashwathy Manohar, who portrays Aju Varghese’s wife in the series.

Reflecting on her collaboration with director Ahammed Khabeer, John admits to initially feeling apprehensive due to his successful previous films, ‘June’ and ‘Madhuram’. However, she quickly found comfort in his ability to establish a genuine connection with the actors, making the working environment more conducive to creativity.

Looking ahead, John reveals that she has worked on a few films prior to ‘Kerala Crime Files’, which will be showcased at this year’s International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK). Additionally, she is excited about her role in an upcoming Malayalam movie titled ‘Jerry’, set to release in September, further solidifying her presence in the industry.

Overall, Rooth P John’s portrayal in ‘Kerala Crime Files’ has garnered recognition and praise, allowing her to explore the nuances of a challenging character. With future projects on the horizon, John’s talent and dedication continue to shine, cementing her status as a promising actor in the Malayalam film industry.