Kalidas Jayaram
Though prior Kalidas Jayaram has appeared in a couple of Malyalam movies he was cast in the role of a lifetime as Sattaaru in Thangam directed by Sudha Kongara. Sattaru (Kalidas) is a trans woman who struggles everyday being oppressed by the society, by her own loved ones. All she craves for is love and affection and the constant denial for that and just her identity as it is, is tragic and leaves you incomplete and disturbed. Kalidas Jayaram is a class apart as Sattaru and has proved his mettle as an actor.
Apart from this he also plays a very charming and lovable character in Oru Pakka Kathai and Putham Pudhu Kaalai. He has had a great year and definitely a talent to watch out for.
Aparna Balamurali
Aparna Balamurali created big waves in the industry and audiences through her character Bommi in Soorarai Pottru. Bommi and Maaran’s relationship is the best example of a marriage, supportive of each other yet flying high to fulfill their own dreams.No one but Aparna Balamurali could have nailed this role. Actors like Aparna are rare, they marry the character they are given and stand firm on the ground. Strong women characters like Bommi is what is needed in commercial films of huge actors. Aparna Balamurali is a fine example of how actresses today must choose roles in commercial films and is a sensation everyone must watch out for because the game for her has just begun.
Aishwarya Rajesh
We see performances, we see adequate performances but there are certain performances where an actor puts in so much effort that it looks very effortless. One such rare actor is Aishwarya Rajesh, she makes her performances look so effortless that you fall in love with her simplicity on screen. This year her performance as Ariyanachi fighting for her husband’s body to reach the village quicker and she tries every which way to do so. Her struggle felt real, the emotions are felt while watching, we tend to move along with her struggle, we feel her frustration and we feel her pain. Aishwarya is an actor who has always outshone through her potential and depths.
Sneha
Imagine featuring in an action film while being pregnant. Sneha was pregnant when she played the fierce Kanyakumari in the movie Pattas. Apart from getting a pivotal role to play, audiences were also in awe of her performing Adimurai, a martial arts form. The strength, elegance, determination and dignity she carried through her role and the hard work she put in to earn her applauses is truly commendable and inspiring.
Jyothika
Jyothika’s films in recent times – be it commercial or social, come with a social message. The actress chooses scripts she truly believes in and that reflects onscreen. She channelises her fanbase and her potentiality in a manner that brings to the audience a good message that is the need of the hour. Ponmagal Vandhal, saw Jyothika in her least dramatic, yet most powerful self. She takes you into the life and struggles of Venba, a brave lawyer, who takes on a case in an attempt to fight against a society hiding behind the shadows of male chauvinism. Jyothika films and acting only age like wine and she’ll always be an industry’s favourite.
Nithya Menen
Nithya Menen’s role was the most exciting to watch in the thriller movie Psycho that released this year. She is seen as a foul-mouthed woman with a very brave face and a braver heart. Nithya Menen maybe doing fewer films but the roles she chooses to do are very versatile and interesting. The Actor also made her digital debut with Amazon Prime Video’s psychological crime thriller Breathe: Into the Shadows. In the web series, Nithya plays the role of Abha Sabharwal. It is one of the best performances she has given till date and she agrees to it. The depth she brought to the character will remain unmatched.
Sai Pallavi
Sai Pallavi can don any role and she could completely charm you with her screen presence. With Paava Kadhaigal it has been just that. Sai Pallavi has done an impeccable role that would be etched in the hearts of her fans and audience forever. She could tear you up and tear your heart into pieces with her role in the Vetrimaaran film. Probably one of the most impactful stories in the anthology, credit goes to her for living it and dying for it (literally).
Simran
We know the kind of roles and stories Simran chooses. They are strong, meaty and impactful. Be it light-hearted comedy like that in Arasu or a thrilling like that in Vaali Simran has been beautifully versatile throughout her career span. The recent addition to that impressive list definitely have to be her role as Mathi in Gautham Menon’s film in the anthology Paava Kadhaigal. A mother would go to any length to protect the rightful honour of her child and that honour is not her body but her mental strength. No one but Simran could have done a role as impactful as that and make every man and woman feel responsible. Kudos to the actress for continuously choosing roles that are impactful.
