Malayalam actor Kani Kusruti received international recognition for her role in Payal Kapadia's film ‘All We Imagine As Light,’ which recently won the prestigious Grand Prix award at the Cannes Film Festival. In an interview with Manorama Online, she disclosed that despite receiving fewer film offers, she declined an audition invitation from Sudipto Sen, the director of ‘The Kerala Story.’
‘I can only do films that come to me. If I do not get employment, I will again have to choose films that do not align with my politics,’ said Kani. Despite winning the Kerala State Award for her role in Sajin Baabu's 2019 film ‘Biriyaani,’ she mentioned that she has received limited film offers.
Yet, she remains committed to her principles, avoiding roles that contradict her beliefs. For example, she recently turned down an audition offer from Sudipto Sen, director of the controversial Bollywood hit ‘The Kerala Story.’
Despite facing criticism, Kani stood by her decision to star in ‘Biriyaani,’ a film that some felt stereotyped Muslims. She clarified her stance, stating that while director Sajin Baabu's perspective is valid, it didn't align with her own politics or artistic sensibilities.
Her political stance was also evident at the Cannes Film Festival, where she made a statement by carrying a watermelon-shaped handbag, showing support for Palestine amid the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Kani Kusruti's film ‘All We Imagine As Light,’ co-starring Chhaya Kadam, premiered at Cannes, marking the first Indian film in 30 years to enter the main competition. Directed by Payal Kapadia, it won the Grand Prix award, making Kapadia the first director to achieve this in Cannes history.
Kani's upcoming project is the Disney+ Hotstar Malayalam series ‘Nagendran's Honeymoon.’
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