Actor Joemon Jyothir interview on Vyasana Sametham Bandhu Mithradhikal and other projects

Actor Joemon Jyothir was roped in to play only one scene in director Vipin Das’ Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil (GAN). Impressed by Joemon’s performance, Vipin decided to write more scenes for him. His character, George’s relentless pursuit of Anaswara Rajan’s character in the movie regaled the audience. This led to more collaborations between the duo, the recent one being Shakthi, the eccentric sidekick to Siju Sunny’s character, in Vyasana Sametham Bandhu Mithradhikal (VSBN) produced by Vipin and directed by debutante S Vipin.

“I got this role because of Vipin chettan. After GAN, I worked in his production, Vaazha – Biopic of a Billion Boys. The whole crew is like a family,” says Joemon, over a call from Kochi.

Vipin Das, Anaswara Rajan and Joemon Jyothir during promotions of Vyasana Sametham Bandhu Mithradhikal
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VSBM turns a funeral and its aftermath into a darkly comedic, chaotic romp with multiple characters adding fuel to the fire. “Since the movie has no big stars, we were doubtful whether people would watch the movie in theatres. But bookings have gone up and stories are being posted on Instagram,” says Joemon, who belongs to Chirayinkeezhu in Thiruvananthapuram.

The 30-year-old actor points out there are similarities between Shakthi and George from GAN. “George had to exaggerate in his mannerisms and dialogues,” he says, explaining the character’s over-the-top antics such as the rhyming pick up lines, or his reactions in the climax of the movie. He continues, “Shakthi, like George, has a striking personality, there are references which would make him relatable to a younger crowd.”

The actor points out the makers allowed him to bring in his inputs on the first take. Based on their feedback, he would do a second take, which may or may not have his improvisations. “In GAN, I improvised a dialogue in the climax during dubbing. That line got a lot of laughs in the theatre.”

Joemon admits that his mischievous self often seeps into his characters, as seen in VSBMand Vaazha – Biopic of a Billion Boys. “I have gotten into a lot of trouble with my friends, and I also have a lot of friends who get me into trouble,” he jokes.

The actor made his big screen debut in 2023 with Gauthamante Radham directed by Anand Menen, who also directed Vaazha. His other notable performances include DJ Babu in Romancham and Bichu in Hello Mummy.

Joemon admits that his mischievous self often seeps into his characters, as seen in VSBM and Vaazha – Biopic of a Billion Boys.
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Joemon entered movies through his social media presence. “I got a role in Jude Anthany Joseph’s Sara’s after he came across my reels. The makers of Romancham discovered me through my content on Instagram and YouTube. I was running a YouTube channel called Sub Originals with two other friends.” His role in Jalasimham, a spoof of the Mohanlal-starrer Narasimham, gained him a significant online following.

“I got interested in films thanks to my uncle who used to work as a film representative. I used to accompany him while transporting film prints to theatres and thus watched many movies,” says Joemon.

The actor confesses to having stage fright as a child. “Even now I have it. However, I used to act in skits and plays in my school and college days. That is the only background I have in acting.”

While Joemon is currently on a roll with comedy, the artiste believes he can do more. “I don’t want to limit myself to comedy. I am working on a project where my character experiences a range of emotions and has an interesting arc. I want to do more roles like that moving forward.”

Currently, he is working with Johnpaul George, director of Guppy and Ambili, and Sangeeth P Rajan, who directed Palthu Janwar. “I am also working on a screenplay about a real-life incident, and it is currently in the research stage.” About a future in direction Joemon says, “Nothing right now, let me learn how to act well first.”