Deepak Parambol on his cop role in the Zee5 web series ‘Kasaragod Embassy’

Deepak Parambol’s cop role, Vivek, in the web series Kasaragod Embassy streaming on Zee 5, is not his first. He has been a cop many times before, but the cigarette-smoking and expletive-spewing grim cop Vivek has a streak of grey is a first. To the series’ credit, it can boast good performances by actors like Sudheesh, Rony David and Kabir Duhan Singh. 

Deepak was one of the last people to join the cast. “The presence of actors like Sudheeshettan, Rony, and Kabir was enticing. It was a chance to work with these actors, whom I have known for years, plus it is a Zee 5 production… it was a tempting project,” he says. The series pans in on a forgery racket, and Vivek is on the trail of those involved. 

He is not new to the medium. The actor, who started his career in 2010 with Malarvadi Arts Club, was part of Instagraamam (2020), directed by Mridul Nair, which was also one of the first Malayalam web series. He recalls that experience, with Arjun Ashokan, Balu Varghese and the others in the cast, as being fun. So, when another opportunity presented itself, he was all in. “When Atish Nair, who has a Kasaragod connection, told me he had a story inspired by his experience, I wanted to do it,” says the actor who hails from Kannur. 

Kasaragod Embassy
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

It is 16 years since his first film in an industry that is big on dates, years and anniversaries. How does he feel when he looks back? He laughs, “Wow! I started with Malarvadi Arts Club and then, in 2012, with Thattathin Marayathu, I realised that ‘may be I can move forward with this [acting].’ So, every year, I have done lead roles in some and character roles in many others, which helped me survive. I have been part of some good films. For instance, last year I had Ponman and Sarkeet, and Manjummel Boys the year before.”  His next big project is the Shaji Kailas movie Varavu.

And that slo-mo shot in a Shaji Kailas movie, that is the stuff of his cinema ambitions!

He got to do the swag walk and he is excited about it. “That was my first shot. This [Shaji Kailas] is a director whose films I have watched and loved — Aaaraam Thampuran, Narasimham, Commissioner and so many others — and then getting to work with him! I am lucky to have got this opportunity.”

He terms the experience of a working with a veteran like Shaji interesting. “You don’t have to ‘perform’ in all shots with people with this level of experience. They know what they want shot-wise and they will take the one that works for them. That confidence is comfortable. Also, I thought, maybe, there would be a lot of getting angry etc if one messes up. Nothing of the sort happens on Shaji sir’s set. It is all calm and under control. And his dedication? He is the first person to arrive on set and quietly goes about his work.”

Deepak is content with the work he has been getting, hopes to grow more and continue doing meaningful work.

Kasaragod Embassy is streaming on Zee5