Nivetha Thomas Reflects on the Challenges of Playing Pallavi in 'Vakeel Saab'

Chandigarh, India Apr 12, 2021 ALN: Nivetha Thomas, a talented actress known for her versatility and compelling performances, recently reflected on the challenges she faced while portraying the character Pallavi Vemula in the highly anticipated Telugu film Vakeel Saab. The film serves as a remake of the critically acclaimed Bollywood movie Pink (2016), which starred Taapsee Pannu, and the Tamil remake Nerkonda Paarvai (2019), featuring Shraddha Srinath. Taking on such a significant role, particularly one that has been previously portrayed by well-regarded actresses, was no small feat for Nivetha, who managed to deliver a commendable performance alongside her co-stars Anjali and Ananya Nagalla, all while sharing the screen with the renowned actor Pawan Kalyan.

Pallavi Vemula, the character Nivetha plays, is a victim of sexual abuse who finds herself in a harrowing situation where she is accused of inflicting injury on her perpetrator. This complex narrative not only highlights the struggles faced by survivors of sexual violence but also emphasizes the societal issues surrounding consent and victim-blaming. For Nivetha, embodying Pallavi was an emotionally taxing experience, requiring her to delve deep into the psyche of a character who endures immense trauma. In a candid moment after recovering from COVID-19, which she contracted while filming another project, Nivetha expressed her gratitude for being able to participate in the film's release, attending a screening at one of Hyderabad’s popular single-screen theatres, Sudharshan 35mm at RTC Cross Roads.

Nivetha's experience with COVID-19 was challenging, as she described it as a "rough" period. While filming for the Telugu remake of the Korean action-comedy Midnight Runners, she began to exhibit symptoms of the virus. Interestingly, her staff and fellow crew members tested negative, leaving her perplexed about how she contracted the illness, particularly since she had not ventured out much. Despite the difficulties, she emerged from the experience with a stronger sense of resilience and appreciation for her health.

Throughout her career, Nivetha has taken on various roles in original stories, but she has also navigated the complexities of remakes. Notably, she portrayed Kamal Haasan's daughter in Papanasam, the Tamil adaptation of the Malayalam thriller Drishyam. Reflecting on her experiences with remakes, she candidly stated, "If you ask me, I’ll say don’t remake a film. There’s a reason why a film gets appreciated and becomes a huge hit. It’s a tough space to get into." Nevertheless, she was willing to take on the responsibility of stepping into Taapsee’s shoes, recognizing the film's strong stance against sexual violence and the importance of portraying such characters authentically. Nivetha expressed a sense of fulfillment in being able to contribute to a narrative that sheds light on critical social issues.

In preparation for her role, Nivetha watched Pink twice upon its release, but she did not manage to view Nerkonda Paarvai. For the Telugu adaptation, she engaged in extensive discussions with director Sriram Venu, aiming to bring her unique interpretation to the character of Pallavi. Nivetha emphasized the importance of understanding Pallavi's emotional trauma, particularly as she represents many urban working women who live independently. "I have friends who’ve gone through bad experiences. It was important for me to understand Pallavi’s emotional trauma," she noted, highlighting her commitment to authenticity in her portrayal.

The courtroom scenes in Vakeel Saab were particularly intense for Nivetha, as they depicted the character assassination that victims often face in such situations. She described an overwhelming sense of sadness that washed over her during these scenes, which were met with powerful responses from the audience, especially during Pawan Kalyan’s impassioned counter to Prakash Raj’s derogatory remarks about the victims. Nivetha hopes that beyond the excitement of watching their favorite star, viewers will engage with the film's critical messages regarding consent and the treatment of survivors.

Filming the courtroom scenes in sequence added to the emotional weight of the experience. With six cameras capturing different angles, Nivetha had to remain focused and "in character" throughout the process, which was both rewarding and draining. The intensity of her performance was particularly evident during her emotional outburst in court, where the camera lingered on her, allowing her to fully express the character's frustration, anger, and helplessness. "We talked about how this scene will be filmed and I’ve always been critical of everything I did while working on the film. This scene got cleared in one take," she recalled, underscoring the collaborative effort behind the scenes that contributed to the film's impact.

Despite the presence of superstars like Pawan Kalyan and Rajinikanth in her previous projects, Nivetha has managed to maintain her composure and professionalism. Her extensive experience in the film industry, having started her career at the young age of eight, has equipped her with the skills to navigate the dynamics of working alongside established stars. "For years, I’ve seen how people behave when there’s a star on set. A star’s presence dictates the mood. I’ve found that it helps to talk and break the ice so that in front of the camera, we can work as colleagues," she explained, highlighting the importance of camaraderie in the filmmaking process.

Balancing her studies and her acting career, Nivetha is not only an accomplished actress but also an architect. She reflected on the challenges she faced during the pandemic, particularly the anxiety stemming from the paused production of Vakeel Saab. "Otherwise, I can be happy in my own company. More than the pandemic, I was restless in 2018 and 2019 when I wasn’t signing many films; I wondered if I should freelance as an architect. Then Darbar and V (Telugu) happened. Interesting projects are coming my way, and I am careful in selecting what I want to do," she concluded, indicating her thoughtful approach to her career and her commitment to choosing roles that resonate with her values and artistic vision.

As Nivetha Thomas continues to navigate her career in the Indian film industry, her performance in Vakeel Saab has garnered attention not only for its emotional depth but also for its contribution to ongoing conversations about consent and the treatment of survivors of sexual violence. Her dedication to her craft and her willingness to tackle challenging roles position her as a rising star in the industry, with the potential to make a significant impact in the narratives that are told on screen.