For most, Abhirami was known by the prefix of her 2004 film Virumaandi, the last film she did before making a comeback to acting after a decade with the 2014 Malayalam film Apothecary. Even as the actor steadily appeared in films, it is in 2024, Abhirami became more than a recurring face in Tamil cinema. After giving hits this year with Maharaja (Tamil), Saripodhaa Sanivaaram (Telugu), and Garudan (Malayalam), Abhirami is gearing up for the release of Vettaiyan headlined by Rajinikanth.

Abhirami interview for Vettaiyan

Has anything changed at all? Abhirami answers, “It still feels new, and I never want to get used to it. I feel this is new and pinch myself to check reality if something big or landmark happens to me.” But the actor also says that in recent times, it has become easier to act for the camera. “It’s because, you get live feedback and you can check on the monitor, and improve the craft because you are not taking up the reel. I think my relationship with the camera always feels like a high, between the action and the cut. That will never change because this is something I learned on the job and glad this relationship is still going,” she adds.

Abhirami believes that the real challenge for actors lies when they do non-titular roles and yet can make their mark. With Vettaiyan which is star-studded with actors like Rajinikanth, Amitabh Bachchan, Fahadh Faasil, Manju Warrier, Rana Daggubati, and others, Abhirami feels that they work together to bring one film. “We are not competing with each other, but working as a team. We believe in the story, Vettaiyan, Gnanavel sir’s vision for the film. It is immaterial to see the length of role in films like these.” The actor reiterates that if the character she played is removed from Vettaiyan, it will be left with a void.

Abhirami on playing versatile roles

2024 has given Abhirami versatile roles and speaking about this, she says that it brings her immense joy to have author-backed roles. “Maybe 15-20 years ago, if you thought a role for a 40-year-old woman, it would probably be anni (sister-in-law), or neighbour. But now, I am able to get a handful of good roles in just under a year. So that shift, for any actor age, and gender are not factors anymore. The shackles are getting broken now and with the ascend of OTT space, the mediums to explore roles in much greater depth is only increasing.”

Addressing how her identity has been slowly changing from Virumaandi Abhirami to actor Abhirami, she explains the shift makes her happy even as her character as Annalakshmi from the Kamal Haasan-starrer will always be special to her. “It was the first time I was taken seriously as an actor and for my craft, and able to be proud of something. It was because of that satisfaction; that I was able to walk away. But Annalakshmi will also be my carrot which will always nudge me to do better. I want to make many more Annalakshmis.” Asked if her role in Vettaiyan, Shwetha, is part of that, Abhirami will be remembered for sure. “I am not sure if she will break the mold, but she will be noted. But now, after doing films like Maharaja, I am slowly chipping away from Annalakshmi.”

Abhirami accepts that she is saying many more no’s than yes’ for roles that come her way. “I have done so many years of hard work to be able to come to this place, and that being said, when people come to me, they come with important roles instead of frivolous roles.”

The actor’s biggest takeaway from Vettaiyan is the experience of working with a star cast and the trick to do something different where she will also be noticed. “To add a little something so you will be seen amid the stars is something I have learnt in Vettaiyan,” she signs off.

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