Roshan Mathew Shines in Upcoming Series 'Kankhajura'

Roshan Mathew Takes Center Stage in 'Kankhajura'

Renowned for his talent, Roshan Mathew is set to captivate audiences in the new Sony LIV series, Kankhajura, premiering on May 30. The 33-year-old actor portrays Ashu, a character who delves deep into the psyches of others to safeguard his brother Max, played by Mohit Raina.

Kankhajura is an adaptation of the Israeli series Magpie. The ensemble cast features Sarah Jane Dias, Mahesh Shetty, Usha Nadkarni, Trinetra Haldar, and Ninad Kamat. Directed and co-written by Chandan Arora, the series is visually crafted by Rajeev Ravi, who previously collaborated with Mathew on his breakout film, Moothon (2019).

Since Moothon, Mathew has appeared in several acclaimed films, including Kappela (2020), C U Soon (2020), Darlings (2022), Poacher, and Paradise (2023). Reflecting on his career, Mathew stated, "Moothon was pivotal in revealing my potential, marking a significant milestone for me."

Character Insights and Creative Process

Understanding Ashu
Ashu is depicted as naive yet complex; he should not be underestimated. Mathew emphasizes the importance of being cautious around him.

Crafting a Complex Character
Mathew describes the creative process as limitless, allowing for diverse interpretations of scenes. He focused on Ashu's core motivation—his profound love for his brother, which serves as the emotional anchor for the character.

Collaboration with Director Chandan Arora

Director's Vision
Mathew shared that he and director Chandan Arora had minimal discussions prior to filming, allowing for a natural exploration of Ashu's character. As filming progressed, Arora encouraged Mathew to explore different facets of Ashu, enhancing the performance.

Passion for Thrillers and Dark Comedies
Mathew expressed his fondness for thrillers and dark comedies, recalling his college days when he produced a stage adaptation of Alfred Hitchcock’s Rope. He admires the works of Martin McDonagh, particularly The Pillowman, and recommends the Malayalam film Aarkkariyam, directed by Sanu John Varghese.

Praise for 'Paradise'

Collaboration with Prasanna Vithanage
Mathew praised director Prasanna Vithanage, noting his evolution as a filmmaker. He highlighted the minimalist approach in Paradise, where every element serves as a symbol, requiring a nuanced performance.

Mathew reflected on how Vithanage's direction pushed him to embody minimalism in his acting, a challenge that he found rewarding.