‘Anomie,’ which completed its theatrical run recently, is available on OTT. The film follows Zara Philip, who played the role BhavanaA medical professional whose life takes an unexpected turn when his mentally ill brother goes missing. The story combines a psychological drama with a crime investigation. A player Shebin Bensonwho plays the lead role in the film, spoke excitedly about sharing screen space with Bhavana in the Malayalam mystery thriller, saying that their real-life relationship translates into their on-screen relationship. The actor explained that Bhavana is someone he considers like family and said that there was complete comfort between them while filming.Reflecting on her experience with Bhavana, Shebin told ETimes, “She is like a real sister to me. There were no barriers between us. She was like my big sister. I was obsessed with her personality, and I feel that the makers think that the sister’s vibe only comes across on screen. “
Remembering his first meeting with Bhavana and Rahman
Shebin also looked back on how he first met Bhavana and revealed that working with him and veteran actor Rahman was a long-time dream. Being from Nilambur, like Rahman, he said he always looked forward to sharing the screen space with the great actor.He told us, “I always like to work with people who I feel connected to. I am from Nilambur, and Rahman sir is also from the same place. I have grown up watching both Bhavana and Rahman sir. They are terrific actors, and I always wanted to work with them.”The actor also recalled sending a message to Rahman years ago. He said, “Once I sent Rahman sir, ‘Rahman ikka, I am from Nilambur. I want to do a small role.’Talking about meeting Bhavana for the first time, Shebin added, “I first met Bhavana on the sets of ‘Polytechnic’. I went there to drop my brother, who was playing a minor character of Kunchacko Boban. That’s where I met him for the first time. Later, we worked together in ‘Ntikakkakkoru Premondarnn’. We shared a great bond with me.
Why ‘Anomie’ caught his attention
Shebin said the unique story of the film was the main reason he agreed to be a part of ‘Anomie’. According to the actor, the idea was refreshing compared to conventional toys and also made him happy as an actor.He said, “The concept of this film was very unique. The concept of the story felt fresh and different from other interesting films. This is what attracted me. Even as an actor, I was happy to watch the film on screen.”He also talked about his love for emotional family dramas. Shebin said, “Honestly, I have never had such a character before. I like to do family films that have a strong emotional connection. There are fewer films these days because more interesting films are being made.”
A family audience is very important, says Shebin Benson
The actor admitted that it has been difficult to attract family viewers to theaters, as many now prefer to watch movies on platforms or television.He explained: “Family audiences are one of the hardest people to bring to the theatre. Most of them prefer to watch movies on OTT platforms or television. Usually, a movie reaches the youth first, and then it reaches the family audience. That is why it is difficult to get quick answers from them. “Talking about the response to ‘Anomie’, Shebin adds, “After the release of ‘Anomie’, I received a lot of positive feedback from the family audience. Now that the film is streaming on OTT, I continue to receive positive feedback.”
Praise Rahman and what follows Shebin Benson
Shebin reserved special praise for veteran actor Rahman, though the duo did not share a role in ‘Anomie’. He also described Rahman as one of the best actors in Malayalam cinema and felt that there is much to explore in the actor’s talent.He said, “He’s a great actor. Even though we didn’t have all the scenes together in Anomie, everyone knows he’s a great actor. I still feel that his skills are underutilized.”Shebin made her debut with Aashiq Abu’s ‘Idukki Gold’ (2013), in which she portrayed the young Maniyanpilla Raju. Since then, she has appeared in more than 30 Malayalam films.Following ‘Anomie’, the actor has two more projects lined up. He will next be seen in ‘Disco’ and ‘Anchaam Pramaanam’.