Cinema VinesIn Malayalam cinema, a villain who lingers in viewers’ minds long after the credits have rolled is a rare achievement. While George Sir’s chilling presence in “Thudarum” and Sagar Surya’s menacing turn in “Pani” sparked conversation, the newcomer Aashish Joe Antony has carved a new niche in “Thudakkam.” The son of producer Antony Perumbavoor, Aashish is no stranger to the industry, having worked closely with veteran actor Mohanlal and his family. Yet his performance in Jude Anthany Joseph’s latest thriller marks a decisive step away from that shadow, allowing him to forge an independent identity.
What sets Aashish’s portrayal of Jithu apart is that the character delivers only a single line throughout the film’s two‑hour runtime. Despite this minimal dialogue, his presence on screen is enough to unsettle audiences. The actor’s silence, nuanced expressions, and unpredictable actions create an aura of menace that is especially palpable in the first half of the movie. Before the film’s release, critics and fans focused on Aashish’s voice, but once “Thudakkam” hit theatres, it was his almost wordless performance that became a talking point.
Director Jude Anthany Joseph explained that the decision to give Jithu just one line was deliberate. He wanted the character to remain unpredictable, a figure whose intentions could never be fully read. “We have another villain, Esthappan, played by Bobby Kurian, who is talkative, which is why no one would fear him or his actions as much. If he says that he would kill someone, we don’t really think he would actually do it. But we can’t say that about Jithu because he has not opened his mouth. But I gave him one dialogue because I wanted to prove a point that he is not mute and is also a Malayali,” Jude told Onmanorama.
For Aashish, the role represented a golden opportunity. The nature of the villain immediately attracted him, and the chance to work alongside Vismaya Mohanlal, the actor’s daughter, added a special significance to the project. He had previously appeared in Prithviraj Sukumaran’s “Empuraan,” playing Antony Rawther in a brief role that left a lasting impression. “Thudakkam is arguably the film that has given me my first distinct identity as an actor,” he said.
Aashish’s passion for cinema dates back to his childhood, with Mohanlal as his biggest inspiration. “100 per cent Lal uncle is my inspiration. I have been seeing him and his movies since I was a kid. I still get nervous when I see him because I also view him as a fan. So, that is how I got interested in films. Throughout my life, I was part of the movies, like my dad. I got interested especially since it is Maya chechi’s movie,” he explained. Aashish and Vismaya have known each other since childhood, growing up in the same film‑industry circles, though they had never had many opportunities to collaborate before “Thudakkam.”
