Saiju Kurup on the success of 'Jai Mahendran': People say it’s the best time of my career; I’ve watched the series fifty-two and a half times!

Actor Saiju Kurup is certainly making a mark in the OTT space. Both his new web series 'Jai Mahendran' and the film 'Bharathanatyam' are receiving widespread acclaim, and he’s clearly living the dream. ETimes had an exclusive chat with him, where he expressed his excitement about hitting the trending charts with his debut web series.
Sony Liv's first-ever Malayalam web series, 'Jai Mahendran,' is garnering attention for its gripping political drama and Saiju Kurup's impressive portrayal of Mahendran, the deputy Tehsildar. His character is filled with emotions, showcasing sarcasm and envy, all while captivating viewers with his relatable boy-next-door charm. Reflecting on his OTT debut, the actor expresses his excitement about exploring new possibilities.
"I have done it all—short films, serials, advertisements—so what’s next? That’s when the pandemic hit, and we all began exploring the world of web series. I was truly inspired by Saif Ali Khan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui in 'Sacred Games,' which made me consider the potential of this medium. Initially, we worked on the film 'Anthakshari' as a web series, but there were no buyers for regional content at the time. Now that the medium is thriving, I'm thrilled to be part of this first venture from the platform," he said.
Even though he has made a transition to a different medium, Saiju emphasizes that for an actor, it’s all about the craft of acting, regardless of how the project reaches its audience.
"The fundamental aspect for an actor is to perform. An actor doesn’t put in less effort for a short film compared to a big-budget movie. Sure, a short film might use a DSLR camera, while a web series could involve high-end movie cameras, but the actor's dedication and input remain consistent," he said.
Reflecting on the series receiving so much appreciation just a week after its premiere, Saiju expresses that it feels like he’s living in a dream world.
"Both my projects, 'Bharathanatyam' and 'Jai Mahendran,' were released on OTT within a span of 15 days. Since then, the first thing I do in the morning is check my Facebook message requests and respond to them. There’s been an overwhelming amount of feedback, reviews, and appreciation. I find myself charging my phone more than twice a day—it’s incredible! People are saying it’s the best time of my career. It really feels like I’m living in a dream world," he shared.
The actor, who has watched the series fifty-two and a half times (he mentions he still needs to finish three episodes in his latest viewing), assures that it will definitely entertain anyone who gives it a shot.
Discussing the future of OTT in Kerala, Saiju confidently states that it is bright and continually evolving.
"The applause we’re receiving for 'Jai Mahendran' signals a bright future for web series in Kerala. The web series industry is profitable, so we can certainly expect more investments in this area. It also opens up numerous opportunities for actors, directors, and the entire crew. There's much more to come," he says optimistically.
Saiju concluded the conversation by revealing the much-anticipated update: the script for 'Jai Mahendran 2' is finalized, and viewers can look forward to its release next year.