As the Malayalam film Charlie completes ten years, the film’s enduring legacy is inseparable from its leading lady, Parvathy Thiruvothu. Directed by Martin Prakkat and headlined by Dulquer Salmaan in the titular role, the adventure drama is especially remembered for Parvathy’s performance as Tessa, a role that earned her one of the most prestigious honours in Malayalam cinema, the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress. A decade on, Tessa remains one of Parvathy’s most iconic performances, redefining the female protagonist in mainstream Malayalam cinema and firmly cementing her reputation as an actor of depth. 

Released on 24th December 2015, Charlie went on to win eight awards at the 46th Kerala State Film Awards; Parvathy’s win stood out as a defining moment both for the actor and for the kind of female characters Malayalam cinema was beginning to embrace. As Tessa, a young graphic artist who refuses to be boxed into convention, Parvathy became the film’s emotional and narrative compass.