Shebin Benson says 'Bhavana' is 'Like my elder sister'; reveals why 'Anomie' stood out: 'The reasoning in the story felt fresh' - Exclusive
ETimes | July 27, 2026 8:39 PM CST
'Anomie,' which recently completed its theatrical run, is now streaming on OTT. The film follows Zara Philip, played by Bhavana , a forensic expert whose life takes an unexpected turn after her psychologically vulnerable brother goes missing. The story combines psychological drama with a crime investigation.
Actor Shebin Benson , who plays a major role in the film, spoke fondly about sharing screen space with Bhavana in the Malayalam mystery thriller , saying their real-life bond naturally translated into their on-screen relationship. The actor described Bhavana as someone he considers family and said there was complete comfort between them while filming.
Reflecting on his experience with Bhavana, Shebin told in an exclusive chat with ETimes, "She is like a real sister to me. There were no barriers between us. She was just like my elder sister. I was cast opposite her character, and I feel the makers probably thought that the brother-sister vibe would naturally reflect across on screen."
Recalling his first meeting with Bhavana and RahmanShebin also looked back on how he first met Bhavana and revealed that working with both her and veteran actor Rahman had been a long-time dream. Being from Nilambur, just like Rahman, he said he always hoped to share screen space with the senior actor.
He told us, "I always enjoy acting with people I feel connected to. I am from Nilambur, and Rahman sir is also from the same place. I have grown up watching both Bhavana and Rahman sir. They are terrific actors, and I always wanted to work with them."
The actor also recalled sending a message to Rahman years ago. He shared, "I had once texted Rahman sir saying, 'Rahman ikka, I am from Nilambur. I would love to do even a small role with you.'"
Speaking about meeting Bhavana for the first time, Shebin added, "I first met Bhavana on the sets of 'Polytechnic'. I had gone there to drop my brother, who was playing the younger version of Kunchacko Boban's character. That's where I met her for the first time. Later, we worked together in 'Ntikkakkakkoru Premondarnn'. We shared a great bond, and she really became like a sister to me."
Why 'Anomie' immediately caught his attentionShebin said the film's unique narrative was the biggest reason he agreed to be part of 'Anomie'. According to the actor, the concept felt refreshing compared to conventional thrillers and also appealed to him as a performer.
He said, "The thought process behind the film was really unique. The reasoning in the story felt fresh and very different from other thriller films. That was what hooked me. Even as an actor, I was excited to watch the film on screen."
He also spoke about his fondness for emotionally driven family dramas. Shebin said, "To be honest, I hadn't got a character like this before. I love doing family films that have a strong emotional connection. There are fewer such films these days because more fun-oriented films are being made."
Family audiences matter the most, says Shebin BensonThe actor admitted that family audiences have become harder to attract to theatres, as many now prefer watching films on streaming platforms or television.
He explained, "Family audiences are among the hardest to bring to theatres. Many of them prefer watching films on OTT platforms or television. Usually, a film reaches young audiences first, and only later does it reach family viewers. That's why it's difficult to get immediate feedback from them."
Talking about the response to 'Anomie', Shebin adds, "After the release of 'Anomie', I received many positive reviews from family audiences as well. Now that the film is streaming on OTT, I am continuing to receive encouraging feedback."
Praise for Rahman and what's next for Shebin BensonShebin reserved special praise for veteran actor Rahman, even though the two did not share scenes in 'Anomie'. He described Rahman as one of Malayalam cinema's finest performers and felt there is still more to be explored in the actor's talent.
He said, "He is such a great actor. Although we didn't have any scenes together in Anomie, everyone knows he is a veteran performer. I still feel his complete potential has not been fully utilised."
Shebin made his acting debut with Aashiq Abu's 'Idukki Gold' (2013), where he portrayed the younger version of Maniyanpilla Raju's character. Since then, he has appeared in more than 30 Malayalam films.
Following 'Anomie', the actor has two more projects lined up. He will next be seen in 'Disco' and 'Anchaam Pramaanam'.
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