Entertainment Desk
26 November 2025, 12:56 PM IST
Warrier shared her reflections on Aami from Summer in Bethlehem as the 1998 Malayalam classic prepares for a theatrical re-release on December 12
Siyad Koker, Sibi Malayil and Manju Warrier, Screengrab from trailer | Photo: Special arrangement,YouTube,Kokers Entertainments
Veteran actress Manju Warrier has reflected on her iconic portrayal of Aami (Abhirami) in the 1998 Malayalam classic Summer in Bethlehem, revealing that she now appreciates the character’s emotional depth far more than she did during the original shoot.
Her response came amid the film’s theatrical re-release on December 12, 27 years after its debut.
Speaking to Kokers Entertainment, Warrier said, “I didn’t understand her emotional depth completely back then. Over the years, I have realised the layers each character carried, especially Aami, and the experience has given me a deeper appreciation of the film.”
The actress also recalled that Summer in Bethlehem was initially conceived as a Tamil film. “Prabhu sir and I even shot a song in Tamil under the choreography of Vrinda Master. Later, due to some issues, it got stalled. It was at this stage that Siyad Koker took over the film, and it was decided that Sibi sir (Sibi Malayil) and Ranjith ettan would direct it as a Malayalam movie… Thinking of it now, I can’t even imagine it as a Tamil film,” she said.
Manju praised the ensemble cast, including Suresh Gopi, Jayaram, Kalabhavan Mani, and her co-stars, noting how every element of the film, from songs and costumes to its storyline, was meticulously designed.
“Very few films get everything perfect, and Summer in Bethlehem was one of them,” she added.
Summer in Bethlehem was the second script penned by Renjith for director Sibi Malayil, following Maya Mayooram.
In 2018, Sibi Malayil revealed that the project was originally conceived as a Tamil film, with Prabhu cast as the male lead alongside Manju Warrier and Jayaram.
However, the producer withdrew from the project, and Siyad Kokker persuaded Sibi to shift the film to Malayalam. Suresh Gopi took over Prabhu’s role as the male lead, while Manju and Jayaram continued in their original roles.
The film’s soundtrack was composed by Vidyasagar, with lyrics penned by Gireesh Puthenchery.
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