Actress Sheena Chohan, who made a striking Malayalam debut opposite legendary actor Mammootty in director Jayaraj’s action thriller The Train, returned to the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) after nearly a decade. Her presence marked an emotional homecoming to the very place where her cinematic journey first took shape.
Returning to the Land That Shaped Her First Film
Sheena graced the opening ceremony of IFFK in Thiruvananthapuram, revisiting Kerala—the land where she shot her first Kannada film and portrayed Mammootty’s wife in The Train. The visit coincides with an important phase in her career, as she gears up for her upcoming Telugu film opposite JD Chakravarthy, slated for a theatrical release soon. In the film, Sheena will be seen in a powerful new avatar as a female cop.
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From Theatre to the Big Screen: A Foundation Built on Craft
Reflecting on her debut and journey, Sheena shared,
“I acted in my first film opposite Mammootty sir after doing five years of theatre, where I learnt how to deeply research and truly fit into characters. My theatre days taught me the value of professionalism — something the Malayalam and Telugu film industries strongly believe in. Hard work, dedication to craft, and complete conviction to character. That’s why I’m extremely excited to present my new character to the world in my Telugu debut. Returning to Kerala feels like the perfect beginning for my next South release.”
Nostalgia, Discipline, and the Spirit of Kerala
The moment Sheena landed in Kerala, memories from her early shoot days came flooding back. Speaking about the overwhelming nostalgia, she said,
“From the moment I landed, memories of my shoot days came rushing back — the discipline on set, the warmth of the people, the food, and of course working with Mammootty sir. Kerala always holds a very special place in my heart.”
Director Jayaraj on Sheena Chohan’s Remarkable Talent
Adding immense weight to her return was veteran filmmaker Jayaraj, who continues to speak highly of Sheena’s work even after a decade. He said,
“Sheena acted with Mammootty in my film The Train. I was amazed while working with her because of her natural ability to portray the lead character, Mammootty’s wife. Her commitment as an actor and her professionalism during the shoot were admirable. I have directed 45 Malayalam films and worked with many actors across India, and I can proudly say that my experience working with Sheena was remarkable. Her evolution as an actor—marked by versatility, depth, and strength in every role—has been a joy to watch and a source of great pride.”
A Career Spanning Languages, Borders, and Powerful Roles
After her Malayalam debut, Sheena went on to act as the lead in over 10 international and independent films, earning Best Actress awards for her performances. This year, she made her Hindi film debut with Sant Tukaram, where her performance received widespread appreciation. Sheena also has a Hollywood film Nomad and an international series in the pipeline, along with a bold “she-devil” role in another international series, showcasing her fearless approach to unique and challenging characters.
A Full-Circle Moment at IFFK
As Sheena Chohan returns to Kerala after ten years, her visit goes far beyond attending the International Film Festival of Kerala. It stands as a full-circle moment—one that reflects her evolution as an actor deeply committed to her craft, celebrated for creating impactful characters, and admired for her formidable range across industries. From her early days with Mammootty to becoming a pan-India and international presence, Sheena’s journey continues to inspire.
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