Malavika Nair, who was most recently seen in Savitri's biopic 'Mahanati', is ready for the release of 'Vijetha' on July 12. As the film's heroine, she is happy to have played a middle-class girl. In this interview, catch her talk about the film, her role model, working with Kalyaan Dhev and more.

What is your character in 'Vijetha'?

I will be seen as a girl-next-door character. She is working somewhere, is very confident and ambitious. She is a total contrast compared to the character played by Kalyaan Dhev, who has played a loafer, a guy who has completed Engineering but is at home.

How is this character different from the ones you have played previously?

There is so much difference. In 'Yevade Subrahmanyam', I was a different character. Same goes with 'Kalyanava Vaibhogame'. In 'Vijetha', I am a middle-class girl, a random girl from Malakpet. She is extremely different. She has confidence. Her body language is different. She is not poised. She is ready to fight.

What attracted you to Vijetha's story?

I accepted the film because the story is linear and simple. Moreover, technicians like Senthil Kumar have worked on the movie. It's a simple father-son story and about their difficulties. It's something everyone of us will connect to. Our parents have done so much for us and we haven't been able to give back.

How was it working with debutant Kalyaan Dhev? Did you get to meet his wife Sreeja?

He is a very honest and hardworking person. He is very comfortable to talk to. It helps when we have the right chemistry. He is absolutely focused and puts in his best. I have met Sreeja a few times. I got to meet Chiranjeevi garu too when he came for the Puja.

Despite 'YS' and 'KV' doing well, why have you done only a few films?

I was waiting for the right story and character. I wanted something good, something to which I can add. Came 'Mahanati', which was a big and prestigious project. I had no reason to reject it as I was offered the character of Alamelu (Gemini Ganesan's wife). There is more to her than what is portrayed in the film. I had a visualization and tried to verbalize what she was thinking. The story had soul.

What is your experience with the Telugu film industry?

Here in the Telugu industry, everybody is very polite. They are very affectionate towards me even when I am not doing a lead role. Every actor speaks very nicely. As for my next films, I am doing a Tamil project and a film in Kannada.

Who is your role-model as an actress?

I look up to actress Parvathy (Malayalam). I like her roles and how she changes in front of the camera. She does a lot of research before portraying a character.

How is your academic life? Do you play sports?

I am doing my graduation and am into 2nd year. I have been giving performances since 10th Class and have been participating in inter-college competitions as well. I am a full-time student. When I was too young, I didn't know how much I was earning. I now have financial control. As for sports, I used to play basketball but it's mostly swimming for me.