Actress Sheena Chohan makes emotional return to International Film Festival of Kerala, where her Malayalam debut journey began with Mammootty
Actress Sheena Chohan marked an emotional homecoming at the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) in Thiruvananthapuram, returning to the venue nearly a decade after her Malayalam film debut. The actress, who made her entry into Malayalam cinema opposite legendary actor Mammootty in the action thriller The Train directed by Jayaraj, graced the festival’s opening ceremony.
Emotional Return to Kerala
Sheena’s visit to IFFK holds special significance as she returns to the location where she shot her debut Malayalam film, playing Mammootty’s wife in The Train. The actress shared her feelings about the homecoming, stating, “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.”
The visit comes at a pivotal moment in her career, as she prepares for her upcoming Telugu film opposite actor JD Chakravarthy, where she portrays a female cop in a powerful new role set for theatrical release.
Theatre Training Shaped Her Film Career
Reflecting on her journey into cinema, Sheena credited her five years of theatre experience for preparing her for film roles. “I acted in my first film opposite Mammootty sir after doing five years of theatre, where I learnt how to research and truly fit into characters deeply,” she explained.
The actress emphasized how her theatre background instilled professionalism and dedication to craft—qualities she found strongly upheld in Malayalam and Telugu film industries. “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,” she added.
Sheena also took to her social media and shared a video from the film festival
https://www.instagram.com/p/DSMEYwFCdi_/?igsh=MTlybWd3bjNxeTViYw==
Director Jayaraj’s High Praise
Adding weight to Sheena’s IFFK appearance, veteran filmmaker Jayaraj, who directed her in The Train, spoke highly of working with the actress even after a decade. “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,” the director stated.
Jayaraj, who has directed 45 Malayalam films and worked with numerous actors across India, shared his admiration for Sheena’s talent. “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,” he said.
The acclaimed director also praised her growth as an artist: “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.”
Expanding Pan-India Presence
Following her Malayalam debut, Sheena has acted in 10 films as a lead in international and independent productions, winning best actress awards along the way. This year, she played the female lead in her Hindi debut Sant Tukaram, receiving appreciation for her performance.
The actress has several upcoming projects across industries, including:
- Telugu film opposite JD Chakravarthy as a female cop
- Hollywood film Nomad
- International series with a bold character role
- Multiple international projects showcasing her versatility
Full-Circle Moment at IFFK
Sheena’s return to the International Film Festival of Kerala represents more than a festival appearance—it marks a full-circle moment in her acting journey. From making her Malayalam debut opposite Mammootty in the state to returning as an established actress with a pan-India presence, her evolution reflects dedication to craft and versatility across regional and international cinema.
As she prepares for her Telugu theatrical release and multiple upcoming projects, Sheena Chohan’s emotional homecoming to Kerala serves as a reminder of where her South Indian film journey began and celebrates how far she has traveled as an artist committed to powerful, impactful performances.
