Imagine being typecast for years, only to finally land a role that demands everything you’ve got—physically, emotionally, and culturally. That’s exactly where Indrans finds himself with ‘Aashaan,’ a film that marks a bold departure from his comedic roots. In a recent conversation with Onmanorama, Indrans revealed that this role was no ordinary gig; it was a challenge he couldn’t resist, especially after Mammootty shared something special about it. But here’s where it gets controversial: is this shift in his career a deliberate reinvention, or simply the result of an inner calling? Indrans insists it’s the latter—a natural pull toward characters that demand depth rather than laughs.
‘Aashaan,’ directed by Johnpaul George, casts Indrans as an aging residents’ association president whose quiet authority is upended when a film crew invades his apartment complex. ‘It’s rare for someone like me to get such a role,’ Indrans admits, ‘and that’s precisely why I jumped at it.’ The character, he explains, was layered, intriguing, and unlike anything he’d tackled before. But this isn’t just about stepping into new shoes—it’s about leaping out of his comfort zone entirely. The role required him to perform Kathakali sequences, a demanding art form that necessitated intense, time-consuming preparation. ‘It demanded more commitment than usual,’ he says, ‘but when a role offers this kind of scope, you don’t hesitate.’
And this is the part most people miss: Indrans’ transformation wasn’t just about mastering Kathakali. His physical appearance—long white hair, a thick mustache, and an unassuming demeanor—played a pivotal role in helping him embody the character. ‘Half the trick comes from the costume and the look,’ he quips, ‘when you look the part, it’s easier to become it.’
This shift toward character-driven roles isn’t a sudden decision, Indrans explains, but an organic evolution. ‘It’s like a flow,’ he says. ‘Deep inside, there’s an urge to explore roles with more depth.’ Does he miss comedy? He pauses, then clarifies: ‘I don’t avoid anything, but those roles come less frequently now.’ Boldly, he invites the audience to ponder: Is it possible for an actor to outgrow their typecast image, or is it a trap they’ll always be measured against?
On the set of ‘Aashaan,’ Indrans was the most seasoned actor, yet he speaks of his co-stars—many of them fresh faces from short films and reel culture—with genuine admiration. ‘There’s a lot to learn from them,’ he says. ‘They’re fun, mischievous, and brimming with ambition.’ This humility raises another thought-provoking question: In an industry often driven by hierarchy, can collaboration across generations truly level the playing field?
Recently, Indrans took to social media with a heartfelt plea, urging audiences to watch ‘Aashaan’ in theaters. His concern wasn’t unfounded—Johnpaul George’s debut film, ‘Guppy,’ had won multiple State Awards but struggled at the box office. ‘People aren’t coming to theaters as much now,’ Indrans notes. ‘There are no major stars in this film, but it’s a good one. A lot of hard work has gone into it.’ The response, he says, has been encouraging, but the numbers remain low. ‘I just wanted people to know it wouldn’t disappoint,’ he adds.
As ‘Aashaan’ slowly finds its audience, Indrans is already immersed in another monumental project—‘Padayatra,’ which reunites Mammootty and Adoor Gopalakrishnan after over three decades. And in a moment of quiet pride, he shares that Mammootty watched ‘Aashaan’ and praised it, even joking about Indrans’ enviable variety of roles. ‘At a time when others aren’t getting such opportunities,’ Mammootty noted, ‘you seem to be thriving.’
So, here’s the question for you: Is Indrans’ career shift a testament to his versatility, or a reflection of the industry’s evolving demands? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation!
