Anarkali Marakkar is an actress who entered the film scene in 2016 with the movie ‘Anandam’. Many films of the actor, who won the love of Malayalees through many films like Vimanam, Uare, Priyan Ottamis, etc., are being prepared for release. Anarkali is coming as a very different transgender character in the film ‘B 32 to 44’ which is being produced by the Kerala State Film Development Corporation under the Department of Culture as part of the State Government’s Women Cinema Project. Directed by Shruti Saranyam, the film has six heroines including Ramya Nambeesan, Ashwathi. Anarkali says it was a different experience to come across as a trans character in a film that discusses female body dimensions and its politics. Anarkali Manorama interacts with Online, sharing details of new movies.
‘Are you transgender’ has been asked
I played the character of Sia in the movie ‘B 32 to 44’. When I found out that the character I was going to play was trans, I felt excited. It’s a very different character from what they’ve done so far, so it’s a role that not many people get. There was a lot of concern about how to handle this character. There was no concern about whether the character would suit me because I am a man with masculine features. Many people have said that my walk and action are masculine. When they see me walking, many people ask, “Who are you going to hit?” So I had no difficulty in behaving like the character. I have always had a tomboy look. Actually many people have asked me if you are transgender. They are human beings too, and no one should be singled out like that. It is wrong to look at them differently. Once upon a time, women were supposed to walk. Now I try to walk like a few girls.
The issues of the trans community are intimately familiar
I don’t want to make a film to understand the issues of the trans community. I have several friends who are transgender. I have talked to them since long and understood their problems. My mother is someone who has fought for the trans community. Amma is very active in their events. I grew up watching them so I understand them well. That’s why I love this movie and the character of Sia.
As the name suggests, the female body is discussed
B32 to 44 is a film that talks about body politics. A woman’s body is something that attracts everyone’s attention. Many women have different body types. Our body determines our life in many ways. How it affects women and how they overcome it is the subject of the film. It is a good movie. When one hears that the film is aimed at women empowerment, it is likely to be mistaken for an off-beat film. But that is not a film, it is a commercial film. After watching this movie, I feel like others will be able to understand women more. A woman making a feminist film is not the same as a man making a feminist film. There is a lot of difference. A woman director can portray women’s problems very realistically. It goes without saying that there will be a very revolutionary change after watching the movie. Change should start from the roots. He should start addressing the issues himself. This movie can create some movement in the society.
Didn’t take a break
A lot of pictures are coming. But it doesn’t have to be the kind I like. I don’t want to rush all the films that come. Just doing what feels good to me. Films are being made, but many were made during the covid period, and were being done and lived to make ends meet due to funding issues. I haven’t taken a break, I’m always doing something. There are some pictures to be released.
Type casting should be overcome
I am drawn to characters who are terribly bold and Tom Boyish. In the movie Sulekha Mansil, she is the character of a poor girl who walks around with a hat on her head. I did it willingly. I want to break the bold look. I want to do roles that I never expected to do.
I want to sing backing vocals
I have studied singing scientifically. I like to sing. A singer would want to sing backing vocals and I have that. He sings when he gets a chance. Sooraj has sung a song with Santosh and the movie has not released. He has sung a lot in a movie called Amala. The music album has been released. Gopi Sundar is the music director.
New projects
My film Sulekha Mansil is releasing this month and a song from it has been released. A film titled Gaganachari is also coming up. Now Mithun is doing a movie of Manuel. There are some finished pictures to come.