'Chatha Pacha': Child artist Vedhika Sreekumar secured role in Adhvaith Nayar's directorial with a VIRAL reel

As 'Chatha Pacha' gears up for release, the focus has been on its newcomers, the WWE mania, and Mammootty's scorching cameo appearance. But without any theatrics, a child, aged seven, has been grabbing the spotlight.

Child artist Vedhika Sreekumar, essaying the character of Rosa, is being appreciated for her on-screen charm and her entry sequence in the film.

Reportedly, the child star landed this role through a viral Instagram reel. Read on to learn more right here.

Vedhika Sreekumar's viral reel story

In a conversation with Baradwaj Rangan on Galatta Plus, debutant director Adhvaith Nayar disclosed that Rosa was one of the hardest characters to cast. Rosa required an extraordinary paradox: a child actor who is the most adult person in the scene and adults who are childlike and rash in their demeanour. After exhausting and several recommendations, they discovered Vedhika in a video she’d sent as part of an audition, a reel showing her recreating a powerful monologue by Manju Warrier. The video, posted on Vedhika’s Instagram handle, made an immediate effect.Adhvaith remembered being impressed not only by Vedhika's acting but also by her grasp of emotions at a young age. The reel, reportedly based on Manju Warrier's 'Pathram', displayed a level of confidence that is unusual for child actors. Vedhika was called from Palakkad, and she managed to impress the crew even with the physical tests. "She was very confident, and she wasn't nervous," the director remembers. "We did a test shot of hers, and we decided she will be Rosa.

We were sure of her talent in the opening five minutes after we saw the screen test."

From social media to the big screen

Vedhika’s story also highlights shifting trends in casting, where the use of social media to showcase talent can pay off. With roles in shows like 'Drama Junior', 'Comedy Masters', and the serial 'Mayamayooram', she came with experience, but it was her audition that got her the job. As 'Chatha Pacha' awaits its premiere on January 22, the tale of Vedhika Sreekumar underscores the belief that sometimes all it takes is a genuine audition to land a film role.