‘Anomie’, which recently completed its theatrical run, is now streaming on OTT. The film follows Zara Philip, played by Bhavanaa forensic expert whose life takes an unexpected turn after her psychologically vulnerable brother disappears. The story combines psychological drama with a crime investigation. actor Shebin Bensonwho plays an important role in the film, spoke fondly about sharing screen space with Bhavana in the Malayalam mystery thriller, saying their real-life bond naturally translated into their on-screen relationship. The actor described Bhavana as someone he considers family and said there was total comfort between them during the shoot.Reflecting on her experience with Bhavana, Shebin said in an exclusive chat with ETimes, “She is like a real sister to me. There were no barriers between us. She was like my big sister. They put me in front of her character, and I think the creators probably thought that the brother-sister vibe would be naturally reflected on screen.”
Remembering his first meeting with Bhavana and Rahman
Shebin also looked back on how he first met Bhavana and revealed that working with both her and veteran actor Rahman had been a long-time dream. Being from Nilambur, like Rahman, he said he always looked forward to sharing screen space with the senior actor.He told us, “I always like to act with people I feel connected to. I am from Nilambur, and Rahman sir is also from the same place. I have grown up watching both Bhavana and Rahman sir. They are great actors and I always wanted to work with them.”The actor also recalled texting Rahman years ago. He shared, “Once I had sent a text message to Mr. Rahman saying, ‘Rahman ikka, I am from Nilambur. I would love to do even a small role with you.”Talking about meeting Bhavana for the first time, Shebin added, “I first met Bhavana on the sets of ‘Polytechnic’. I had gone there to drop off my brother, who was playing the younger version of Kunchacko Boban’s character. That’s where I first met her. Later, we worked together in ‘Ntikakkakkoru Premondarnn’, and it became a great We shared.
Why “Anomie” caught his eye immediately
Shebin said the film’s unique narrative was the main reason she agreed to be part of Anomie. According to the actor, the concept felt refreshing compared to conventional thrillers and also appealed to him as a performer.He said, “The thought process behind the film was really unique. The reasoning behind the story was fresh and very different from other thriller films. That was what hooked me. Even as an actor, I was excited to see the film on screen.”He also talked about his penchant for emotionally driven family dramas. Shebin said, “To be honest, I haven’t had a character like this before. I love making family films that have a strong emotional connection. There are fewer films like that these days because more fun films are being made.”
The family audience is the most important, says Shebin Benson
The actor admitted that it has become more difficult to attract family audiences to theaters as many now prefer to watch movies on streaming platforms or on television.He explained: “Family audiences are among the most difficult to bring to cinemas. Many of them prefer to watch movies on OTT platforms or on television. Usually, a movie reaches young audiences first, and only then does it reach family audiences. That’s why it’s hard to get immediate feedback from them.”Talking about the response to ‘Anomie’, Shebin adds, “After the release of ‘Anomie’, I also received a lot of positive reviews from the family audience. Now that the film is streaming on OTT, I continue to receive encouraging feedback.”
Kudos to Rahman and next to Shebin Benson
Shebin reserved special praise for veteran actor Rahman, even though the two did not share scenes in ‘Anomie’. He described Rahman as one of the finest performers in Malayalam cinema and felt that there was still more to explore in the actor’s talent.He said, “He’s a great actor. Even though we didn’t have a scene together in Anomie, everyone knows he’s a veteran performer. I still think his full potential hasn’t been tapped.”Shebin made his acting debut with Aashiq Abu’s ‘Idukki Gold’ (2013), where he played the younger version of Maniyanpilla Raju’s character. Since then, she has appeared in more than 30 Malayalam films.After ‘Anomie’, the actor has two more projects lined up. She will next be seen in ‘Disco’ and ‘Anchaam Pramaanam’.