After receiving critical acclaim and an overwhelming response from audiences in theatres, Ronth—Roshan Mathew’s latest Malayalam outing—makes its digital debut today. The film, praised for its raw intensity and grounded storytelling, sees Roshan in the role of a rookie cop navigating unpredictable realities on the job. In a candid conversation, the actor opens up about the response to the film, his preparation process, and why Ronth holds a special place in his heart.
Are you surprised by the overwhelming response to Ronth?
While the response is overwhelming, it’s not a complete surprise. An honest, original film that comes together has always found its audience in Malayalam. I was just hoping that the work we had all done comes together well. Happy to know it has.
How did you approach your character of a rookie cop in Ronth?
I saw him as a sponge, ready to be coloured by every experience he was going to have. He’s finished training, but there’s so much learning to be done on the job with something like the police force that, in a way, his learning has just begun. Each experience he is going to have is going to change him.
Your co-star was the incredible Dileesh Pothan?
I love working with him. He’s such a genuine individual, brilliant mind, and an absolute gem of a co-actor. His conviction in the moment has anchored me multiple times. His perspective and understanding of the audience has helped the film at multiple points.
You played very different characters in Ronth and the series Kankhajura?
Both these projects happened with quite a bit of a gap between them. I had enough time to prep and ready myself in whatever way I deemed appropriate for both. I always try to make sure I have time, that’s all.
It is rare for any actor to be offered so much variety at such a young age?
Absolutely. Even as a screenplay, Ronth offers something which would otherwise be quite rare to find. The emotional graph of the story is dependent on the calls these patrolling cops get. It’s so random and unpredictable. And so is the kind of work coming from Malayalam. We’ll always keep hoping for more, but I really am grateful for the experiments filmmakers are willing to try with me.
How do you rate your performance in Ronth?
As of now, it’s one of the most special projects I’ve been part of. Right up there with Moothon.
What is your criteria for accepting a film?
I do look at the people, yes. Co-actors, the makers, the crew. People matter above everything else. Then I look at how it’s different from what I’ve done before.
