Mamata, the latest sensation in Malayalam films

Thiruvananthapuram, March 12 (IANS) Mamata Mohandas has injected a sense of glamour hitherto unseen in Malayalam cinema through her latest film "Lanka", which is only her fourth outing in the world of movies.

"Yes this role was a challenge and I decided to take up the challenge because I felt there was no point in being inside a shell. So I decided to break out and explore and I am happy with the outcome," Mamata told reporters here Sunday.

Born and brought up in Bahrain, Mamata - now a final year graduate student in Bangalore - has created a wave in Kerala because of the glamour associated with her latest film.

Noting that the role was one where she had to wear glamorous dresses, Mamata made it clear that the role was in no way vulgar.

"There was no vulgarity in it at all. Because of the need to establish my character in the film, there was a need for a change in my appearance and dressing and that was all that happened," she said.

Backing her was director A.K. Sajan, who clarified that exposure was not tantamount to vulgarity.

"The body of an actor or an actress will be exploited, but it is only in Malayalam films that glamour and sex are mistaken," said Sajan.

Mamata stars along with Suresh Gopi in "Lanka", while her last film had seen her playing a role alongside superstar Mammootty.

When asked her to differentiate between Mammootty and Gopi, pat came the answer from Mamata: "Maybe because I spent a longer time with Gopi on the set, I find him very cooperative and helpful. Alongside Mammootty, I had a very small role."

After her four releases, Mamata said she had received numerous offers to do films in other south Indian languages. "I am in no hurry and I will be selective," she said.

Mamata's next release is "Madhuchandralekha" with superstar Jayaram.

And giving her the much-needed confidence for her fledging career is her father N.V. Mohandas, an investment banker with Merrill Lynch in Bahrain.

"She always had a flair for this. Since she was born and brought up in Bahrain, it helped. And we felt if this is what she likes, why not?" said her father.

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Lanka