Beena R. Chandran is a name resonating in both the worlds of education and the silver screen. Acting, for her, isn’t just confined to the boundaries of theatrical stages or film sets. The 2023 Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor (Female) stands as a testament to her diverse and adept performative skills, showcased prominently in Fazil Razak’s acclaimed film, Thadavu. Beyond the glitz and glamour of awards, Beena continues to prioritize her first love: teaching at CEUP School, Parudur in Palakkad district.
At the heart of her pedagogical methods, Beena utilizes her acting prowess to engage students. “Acting is an effective tool in education,” she articulates. Her classroom is a dynamic space where English and Malayalam lessons come alive through skits and performance art. This innovative approach breaks away from conventional methods, making learning not only more engaging but also significantly more effective for the children. She points out, “For the past 28 years, I have been in the teaching profession, and I have just two more years to retire.”
Winning the prestigious State Film Award has not distanced Beena from her theatrical roots. On the same evening she received her accolade, she was on stage executing a riveting 40-minute solo play titled Otta Njaval Maram, under the banner of Kalapadasala, Arangottukara, a theater group with which she has long been associated. A life-long enthusiast of theater, Beena reflects, “I have been part of amateur theatre groups since my school days. My skills have been honed through acting in these dramas over the years.”
Beena’s meticulous commitment to her craft was particularly evident in her award-winning role in Thadavu. Earlier having appeared in minor roles in films by directors like P.P. Sudevan and M.G.
. Sasi, it was her collaboration with Fazil Razak that truly spotlighted her talent. Razak, who himself bagged the Best Debutant Director Award for Thadavu, noticed her potential during their work on short films, which had garnered several accolades. However, her portrayal of Geetha in Thadavu was a significant leap, demanding a deep well of emotional expressiveness and psychological complexity. Geetha is a character marked by intense suffering: two failed marriages, and a string of misfortunes, culminating in being wrongfully implicated in the death of a child. Yet Geetha is not designed to draw easy sympathy; she is a flawed individual with relatable yet challenging traits.
Recalling her initial reaction to the script, Beena shares, “I was a bit scared after reading the script, because Fazil’s debut film depended much on how I performed this character too.” Determined to deliver a standout performance, she delved into rigorous preparation. “I did a lot of homework as I wanted to bring a level of uniqueness to the performance. For instance, I tried a lot to ensure that the way I cried did not look like a copy of any other actor’s,” she explains.
Beena’s accolade for Best Actor (Female) in 2023 is shared with seasoned actress Urvashi, who was recognized for her role in Ullozhukku. Urvashi’s win marks her sixth time achieving this honor, equaling the record for the most acting awards in this category. Being a joint recipient of this esteemed award alongside such a veteran underscores the depth of Beena’s skills and the strength of her performance in Thadavu.
Despite the glittering success, Beena remains grounded in her role as an educator. She continues to illustrate that acting and teaching are not disparate realms but are rather complementary avenues through which she channels her passion for storytelling and communication. Her journey from the classroom to the cinema screen and back epitomizes the seamless integration of art and education, proving that impactful storytelling can transcend the stages and screens to deeply touch lives, both within and outside the classroom.
In conclusion, Beena R. Chandran’s story is one not just of success, but of dedication and versatility. Whether through the lens of a camera or in the energetic folds of a classroom, she remains committed to her dual passions, reinforcing that art, in all its forms, is a powerful medium for change and education.
