“I have been waiting for good work and when ’35’ came my way, I could not let it go. It would have been an injustice had I not taken it up,” says actor Nivetha Thomas with unwavering conviction during our interview at Ramanaidu Studios, Hyderabad. Directed by debutant Nanda Kishore Emani, ’35 – Chinna Katha Kaadu’ (not a small story), is set to release in theatres on September 6. This family drama intriguingly set in Tirupati promises to be a compelling narrative blending personal emotion and cultural specificity.
Nivetha’s last foray into Telugu cinema was with ‘Saakini Daakini’ (2022). In 2023, she marked her return to Malayalam cinema with ‘Enthada Sajji,’ a significant comeback after nine years. Addressing the evident question of the scarcity of good roles across languages, Nivetha reflects, “People think I am difficult to please, which is not true. I thoroughly enjoy listening to narrations and reading scripts across genres. However, if I feel that a script hasn’t shaped up to its potential after a few discussions, I step back to let another actor take it on. I am eager to work on five or six films a year but want each to be distinct.”
For those who have tracked her career, they would know that Nivetha started her journey as a child actor at the tender age of eight, working in Malayalam, Telugu, and Tamil films. She candidly admits that fame hasn’t been the primary driving force in her career choices. As both an architect and an actor, she often grapples with the thought of whether being out of the limelight might affect how audiences remember her work.
“This thought has indeed crossed my mind,” she admits, adding that she constantly seeks a healthy work-life balance while maintaining visibility on social media. “I refrain from posting casual photos unless they add value. I understand that some level of visibility is essential, but I’d rather it be meaningful.” She expresses a desire to work on more films more frequently, signaling her readiness for fresh opportunities.
When the promos for ’35’ were released, Nivetha was bombarded with messages from well-wishers and enthusiastic social media posts. “People were happy to see me in a new film, and it moved me to tears. It made me introspect whether I’ve set my standards too high. Perhaps I should take on more roles and learn through experience,” she contemplates.
The positive feedback she received post ‘Brochevarura’ underlined her growing reputation for making discerning choices. “Many people told me that if they knew I was in a film, they would consider it worth watching. This trust made me more responsible and cautious; I wanted everything to be perfect.
. For ‘Saakini Daakini,’ I gave my 100% and it took me some time to move on when the film didn’t receive its due.”
Nivetha acknowledges that her career is in a transitional phase. “Transitioning from a child actor to a leading lady happened so quickly I didn’t dwell on it much. But now, I want to navigate this new phase meticulously to find more compelling work.” She hints at the prospect of producing films, although she recognizes the challenges in distribution and release.
In ’35’, Nivetha found an authentic storyteller in Nanda Kishore Emani. She portrays Saraswathi, a mother of two, embracing the role without hesitance. “Saraswathi is a beautiful character; she hasn’t passed the 10th standard, and her life revolves around her family.” The script’s detailed approach impressed her. “Even the door handle in Saraswathi’s house, shaped like a veena, her instrument, was in the script. The level of detail, from the colors of her sari to her strict adherence to customs, was thoroughly outlined.”
Nivetha emphasizes that ’35’ avoids becoming preachy, touching on relatable sacrifices, like those her mother made for her. “My mother, a practicing nurse, gave up her career to support mine. At that age, I didn’t grasp the enormity of her sacrifice.”
The film reunites Nivetha with Gautami Tadimella, after their collaboration in ‘Papanasam.’ “In ’35’, Gautami ma’am represents an urban woman whose conversations with Saraswathi reflect their distinct worldviews. Working with her again allowed me to learn from her grace and depth.”
The cast underwent rigorous training to master the Tirupati Telugu dialect, essential for authenticity. “We had early morning classes, and with Prashant’s help, we grasped the phonetics and lexical nuances of the dialect, understanding its distinct blend of Telugu and Tamil influences.”
As the interview concludes, Nivetha expresses her hopes for ’35,’ an entertaining film featuring over 60 children. “I would personally knock on every door to invite viewers to watch it in theaters with their families. Experiencing relatable, personal stories on the big screen has a unique magic,” she enthuses.
’35 – Chinna Katha Kaadu’ promises to be a heartfelt cinematic experience, capturing the essence of familial bonds and personal sacrifices, all set against the culturally rich backdrop of Tirupati.
