Anju

Anju, a name that still gets tossed around by anyone who grew up glued to Malayalam and Tamil cinema back in the day. She’s one of those faces you instantly recognize even if you can’t always place the movie—classic eighties hair, big expressive eyes, and a knack for stealing scenes whether she’s playing the naive village girl or someone with a bit more bite. Her breakout? Definitely Kattathe Kilikoodu in ’83. That film was everywhere, honestly, and Anju held her own alongside some heavy hitters. She brought this raw, natural energy that made her stand out, even when the scripts weren’t always doing her any favors. Fast-forward a bit, and you’ll catch her in Neelagiri (1991), which, let’s be real, had its own cult following. The film wasn’t just your typical melodrama; it had this moody, almost haunting vibe, and Anju’s performance added real depth. She didn’t just play the part—she practically lived it. People still talk about how she managed to pull off those layered emotions without making it look forced or cheesy. And then there’s Unakkaga Ellam Unakkaga from ’99. By this point, Anju had already proven she could handle any role thrown her way. The movie is remembered for its humor and lightheartedness, with Anju delivering a performance that balanced comedy and sincerity. She wasn’t just there to look pretty—she was integral to the plot, delivering lines with perfect timing and that sly charm only she could pull off. All in all, Anju’s filmography is a trip down memory lane for anyone who loves South Indian cinema.