Anthikad urges former Malayalam heroines to return

Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 27 (IANS): Top Malayalam director Sathyan Anthikad, who recently re-launched former actresses Sheila and Urvasi, urged yesteryear heroines to rejoin the film industry.

Anthikad's "Achuvinte Amma", which premiered here Tuesday, stars former actress Urvasi, who has returned to films after eight years.

In 2003 former glamour girl Sheila also made a comeback with Anthikad's "Manasinakkare", one of the year's biggest hits.

Anthikad told reporters: "I feel both Samyuktha Varma and Manju Warrier should return to films if they get good roles; so should former producers and production companies.

"I cast Shiela and Urvasi in my films because I felt the roles were tailor-made for them," said the director.

"Achuvinte Amma", like his previous family entertainers, revolves around a mother (Urvasi) and her daughter (national award winner Meera Jasmine).

Urvasi, who is married to Malayalam film star Manoj K. Jayan, said she had no problems returning after her long break.

She told reporters: "The strength of Malayalam films lies in their simplicity, which unfortunately recent films have lost. I feel jazzy scripts might not bring rewards."

It remains to be seen if Samyuktha - married to Biju Menon - and superstar Dileep's wife Manju will also attempt comebacks.

Another 1980s heroine, Ambika, who gave stellar performances with Mammooty and Mohanlal, has become a television actress after failing to make an impact with her comeback film.