Credit the sizzling looks, or the high voltage entertainers that she opted to be part of, Lakshmi Rai has always tasted success in Mollywood. The charmer who recently rechristened herself as Raai Laxmi is already in the league with the big Ms of the industry in a short span of time. The lady was absent from the scene for a while, but she is back with a bang, pairing with Mammootty for the fourth time in Ajai Vasudev’s Rajadhi Raja.
Raai sounds anything but excited after an uninterrupted 60 day shoot for the movie at locales like Coimbatore, Pollachi and Pazhani. “This is the longest schedule I have ever had in my career. After a long break from Malayalam films, this is the best I can ask for,” she beams with joy.
Raai says she is feeling blessed to be part of the project. “Turning back, I feel fortunate to get an opportunity to share screen space with the two best actors of Malayalam cinema. I have always received good roles here and the people in Kerala have also showered their love on me, no matter which role I played,” she says fondly.
Mammootty-Raai jodi appeared together in Annan Thambi, Chattambinadu and Parunthu. In the latest outing, the actress plays Radha, wife to Sekharan Kutty, a petrol pump owner. Mammootty’s character has many action sequences in the film, and Raai says it is sure to win the hearts of the viewers. “I was super excited when I saw Mammookka do all the action sequences in the movie,” she says.
The character of Radha is a mix of ‘bubbly and homely character’, as Raai puts it. Talking more about the role, she says, “Radha is raised in a simple rustic family, from where she has imbibed many virtues. She is a content homemaker and is the greatest strength behind Sekharan Kutty. The homely character turns bold when situation demands.” The actress says the role is the best she has so far received in Mollywood. Though she has acted with senior actors, Raai’s characters has always belonged to younger league. “But I am playing mother to an eight year old daughter in this movie for a change,” she says.
The actress appears every inch a Malayali woman in the posters in which she is seen draping a cotton sari and large red bindi. Raai says, “I have received much positive comments for my looks in the film.”
Raai who loves Kerala cuisine says she always puts on a bit of weight after the shoot of every Malayalam movie. “Kerala cuisine is really delectable! In the sets of Rajadhi Raja Mammookka sat infront of me while eating and tempted me to have more food,” she says with a laugh.
The movie penned by Udayakrishna - Siby K Thomas team is slated for an Onam release. It will be a complete entertainer tinged with suspense, says Raai. As of now, the actress have two Tamil movies, Irumbu Kuthirai and Aranmanai, both of which will release in the coming months.
Raai says she is more choosy about Malayalam movies. “M-town is more realistic than other South Indian industries. I am careful while selecting the roles, because it is my responsibility as the industry has given so much to me,” she signs off.