What do snacks and shows have in common? They need to be palatable — a fun mix of sweet and spicy — and give one a much-needed boost of energy. Amazon Prime’s new Tamil comedy series “Sweet Kaaram Coffee” offers just that as it takes you through the story of three women — each from a different generation and era — on a journey of self-discovery as they travel across India.
[Read Related: Maitreyi Ramakrishnan on Portraying the First South Asian Character in a Pixar Feature Film]
While chatting with Brown Girl Magazine, Malayalam actress and one of the three main leads Santhy Balachandran shares that the word ‘Kaaram’ means spicy and so, echoes the many flavors of life that the series dives into. As the three women traverse the length of the country, checking different geographical terrains off their list and embracing new experiences, they also come face-to-face with the many different facets of their personalities they had been unaware of all their lives. “Sweet Kaaram Coffee” is a heartwarming adventure yet still perceptive and will connect with audiences across generations and regions. Despite the presence of seasoned actors, Balachandran, who plays the role of Niveditha, holds her own as a self-reliant and confident young woman. We spoke to Balachandran about her role, her foray into acting and branching out to Tamil and Hindi cinema.
What was the process of preparing for the role of Niveditha in “Sweet Kaaram Coffee?”
I was excited to work alongside veteran actors Lakshmi and Madhoo in a show where three women — grandmother, mother and daughter — drive the narrative. Before we began shooting, the cast met for readings online as well in person to get a feel for the meter of the characters and their interpersonal dynamics.
“Sweet Kaaram Coffee” is my first long format show, and presented an opportunity for a longer, deeper journey with a character. For me, the most challenging aspect of playing Niveditha was the fact that she is a professional cricketer. It was exciting to learn a new skill and to pick up the nuances of the game. As most of the pre-production prep happened during the pandemic, my cricketing lessons were delivered via Zoom. I also had the support of the creative team on set to make the cricket scenes look as authentic as possible.
How do you personally relate to the character of Niveditha from the show?
I could relate to Nivi’s sense of paralysis when faced with a difficult choice, and the impulse to escape her immediate circumstances in order to delay making a decision. I think most of us have wished for a similar escape at some point in our lives. This served as an entry point into her state of mind for me. With any character you play, there will always be similarities and departures from your own persona. Nivi is riddled with insecurities and allows them to guide her choices. I like to think that I am more confident than she is.
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How do you feel “Sweet Kaaram Coffee” relates to the South Asian diaspora as well as individuals from all over the world?
It has been heartening to receive messages from women of different generations across the world. The show has resonated with the South Asian diaspora, and thanks to subtitles, we have also received messages from viewers from countries such as Brazil, Mexico and Denmark to name a few. It seems to me that cultural and linguistic differences aside, the issues women face when it comes to asserting their agency are universal. The three women on the show battle dilemmas that are relatable, and viewers seem to have found a sense of comfort and solidarity in seeing themselves represented on screen.
How did you get into acting to begin with and what inspired you to pursue your craft?
I hadn’t planned on becoming an actor. I was academically inclined — I majored in Psychology, and hold a postgraduate degree in Visual Anthropology from the University of Oxford. I happened to audition for a production of Harold Pinter’s “The Lover” while I was on a break from university, and thoroughly enjoyed the time we spent devising the play. There was something about the collaborative nature of theatre that felt enriching, and made me seriously consider acting as a career. The play also opened doors, thanks to casting agents who noticed my performance and invited me to audition for my first couple of movies — “Tharangam” and “Randuper.”
The question of what makes us do the things we do always fascinated me as a research student, and in a sense, that is a question that actors grapple with as well. Subjects like anthropology and psychology center empathy as a core value, and I believe that is a quality actors must nurture to step into the shoes of different characters — particularly those with perspectives at odds with one’s own. So I do see a connection between my academic training and my current choice of career.
“Jallikattu” premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and was also India’s official entry to the Oscars. How does it feel to be a part of this movie?
Being part of “Jallikattu” was a special experience for me as the director Lijo Jose Pellissery is one of the most accomplished filmmakers in contemporary Indian cinema today. His crew is composed of equally talented collaborators, so it was an exciting set to be a part of — a wonderful environment where I could observe and learn from the best. Although the film is set in a tiny village in Kerala, it explores universal themes. The local men’s quest to capture a runaway bull quickly unleashes their vile primal instincts. The film examined the blurred boundaries between man and beast, and successfully managed to enthrall audiences across the world. Given the warm response and critical acclaim the film received, it was a cherry on top to be selected as India’s official entry to the Oscars.
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What is your experience branching out of Malayalam cinema to working in Tamil and Hindi films?
I have really enjoyed the experience of stepping outside my comfort zone and collaborating with talented artists and technicians from across the country. This year I was part of the ensemble cast of the much-loved Hindi film “Gulmohar” alongside veterans like Sharmila Tagore, Manoj Bajpayee and Amol Palekar. [I am heading to Goa tomorrow for its screening at the International Film Festival of India]. I’m lucky that I spent my childhood in different parts of India. It has certainly helped my journey as an actor — not just in terms of language skills, but also in terms of the ability to adapt to new environments.
Lastly, what do you hope individuals take away from this interview with Brown Girl Magazine?
There is no singular path to becoming a professional actor. No matter what you have been trained in and at what age you decide to pursue acting, the life experiences you have gained along the way count — they add to what you bring to the table as an actor. The rise of OTT platforms has also paved the way for more diversity in casting, so I would encourage you to take that leap of faith!
