Nimisha Sajayan on 'Enna Vilai': Sajeev let me choose my own character
Synopsis
Director Sajeev Pazhoor's approach to casting Nimisha Sajayan in 'Enna Vilai' was anything but conventional — he narrated the script and simply told her to pick her own role. When he finally revealed she was his choice for Kanchana, she was moved to tears. The film, set against the backdrop of Rameswaram's coastal devotion economy, has already drawn strong praise from critics and the press.
Key Takeaways
Nimisha Sajayan revealed that director Sajeev Pazhoor did not disclose which character he had in mind when he first narrated the 'Enna Vilai' script to her.
Pazhoor told her to 'pick' her own character from two strongly written roles — Vijayalakshmi and Kanchana .
Nimisha said she was 'overwhelmed' and 'almost in tears' when Pazhoor confirmed she would play Kanchana , a character she already had a soft corner for.
The film stars Karunaas in the lead role and has received warm reviews from the press and media fraternity. 'Enna Vilai' is written and directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Sajeev Pazhoor , produced by Githesh V under Kalamaya Films , with music by Sam C.S.
Actress Nimisha Sajayan, who has earned widespread praise from industry insiders and critics for her role in director Sajeev Pazhoor's much-anticipated social drama 'Enna Vilai', has revealed that Pazhoor never told her which character he had in mind for her when he first narrated the script. Speaking about the experience on 16 September, Nimisha described the casting process as both unexpected and deeply emotional.
The Unusual Casting Conversation
'When Sajeev narrated the story to me, he didn't tell me which character he had in mind for me. He simply said, 'Okay, now, you pick,'' Nimisha recalled. She noted that the script presented two compellingly written female characters — Vijayalakshmi and Kanchana — alongside a brilliantly crafted role for Rishi. 'I was genuinely curious and a little sceptical about whether he was considering me for Vijayalakshmi's character or the role of Kanchana. But honestly, I was happy either way,' she said, adding that she was completely open to playing Viji's character given the space it offered.
An Emotional Reveal
Nimisha admitted she already had a soft corner for the character of Kanchana before the director made his decision known. When Pazhoor finally confirmed that Kanchana was indeed the role he envisioned for her, the moment turned unexpectedly emotional. 'I was overwhelmed. I was almost in tears. I just hugged him and asked him, 'Why did you do this?'' she said. She attributed the film's emotional power to its writing, noting that 'every character has a deep emotional arc' in 'Enna Vilai'.
On Her Co-Stars and the Film's Reception
Nimisha noted that she did not share many combination scenes with Karunaas, who plays the lead, but was emphatic that his performance was extraordinary. She also praised the actress portraying Vijayalakshmi, calling her portrayal 'very hard-hitting.' Reflecting on the film's warm reception among the press and media, she said, 'It is a bliss to receive such heartfelt appreciation for my character. Director Sajeev deserves all the credit for bringing these characters to life.'
About 'Enna Vilai'
Rooted in a socially relevant premise, 'Enna Vilai' centres on a man whose survival depends on the coins devotees offer to the sea near Rameswaram. What begins as a story of dignity and livelihood gradually expands into a larger legal battle, raising questions of justice and human dignity. Written and directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Sajeev Pazhoor, the film has been produced by Githesh V under the banner of Kalamaya Films. The technical crew includes music by Sam C.S., cinematography by Alby Antony, and editing by Sreejith Sarang. Nimisha expressed confidence that the film would endure as a memorable work for cinema lovers.
Point of View
A gesture unusual enough to move her to tears. What it signals is a filmmaker confident enough in his material to let the actor self-select, knowing either choice would work. For Nimisha, who has built a reputation on nuanced, emotionally layered performances, landing Kanchana on those terms may carry more artistic weight than a conventional offer. The film's social premise — survival, dignity, and justice in coastal Tamil Nadu — positions it as exactly the kind of regional cinema that punches above its budget in awards conversations.
NationPress
16 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did director Sajeev Pazhoor tell Nimisha Sajayan when he narrated 'Enna Vilai'?
Sajeev Pazhoor narrated the script without revealing which character he had in mind for Nimisha Sajayan, instead telling her to pick her own role. He presented two strongly written characters — Vijayalakshmi and Kanchana — and left the choice open to her.
Which character does Nimisha Sajayan play in 'Enna Vilai'?
Nimisha Sajayan plays the character of Kanchana in 'Enna Vilai'. She has said she already had a soft corner for the role, and was moved to tears when director Sajeev Pazhoor confirmed it was the character he had envisioned for her.
What is 'Enna Vilai' about?
'Enna Vilai' is a social drama centred on a man whose livelihood depends on coins offered by devotees to the sea near Rameswaram. The story evolves from a personal struggle for survival and dignity into a broader legal battle touching on questions of justice and human rights.
Who is in the cast and crew of 'Enna Vilai'?
The film stars Karunaas in the lead role, with Nimisha Sajayan in a key part. It is written and directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Sajeev Pazhoor, produced by Githesh V under Kalamaya Films, with music by Sam C.S., cinematography by Alby Antony, and editing by Sreejith Sarang.
How has 'Enna Vilai' been received by critics?
'Enna Vilai' has drawn praise from industry insiders and critics, with Nimisha Sajayan's performance in particular receiving strong appreciation. Nimisha herself expressed that the warm reception from the press and media fraternity has been deeply gratifying.
