PETALING JAYA, Jan 27 — Taiping-born actress Gheetha Ammasee scores another entry in the Malaysia Book of Records after being cast as the lead in a South Indian film.

She was first listed when she became the pioneer female Malaysian to produce films in Kollywood in 2005.

Her current accolade is a nod for her role in director V. Nagendran’s 2015 crime thriller Kaaval that Gheetha also produced.

“It a is huge feat to land a leading role in the Kollywood entertainment industry. I am proud to represent our country and want to dedicate this award to all Malaysians.”

Before breaking into Kollywood, she was an emcee and radio DJ with THR Raaga.

The first film she produced in India was Arinthum Ariyamalum that ran for 175 days.

Popularly known as Punnagai Poo Gheetha, “smiling flower” in Tamil, it has not been an easy journey to secure her reputation in South India. So far, she has produced seven films in India, of which, she acted in five.

“The Tamil cinema is male driven and even after 13 years, it has not gotten easier.

“The moment I land in Chennai, I smile less. I have to put on my ‘fierce face’ or I will be trampled on,” said the petite actress who owns a production company there.

In addition, the film industry has its risks and is not as lucrative as it used to be.

“A star-studded cast cost money, but you stand a better chance of finding distributors. If there is no star power, you may have to self-fund promotion and distribution efforts. Returns are never guaranteed.”

Also, in Chennai, the making a film is expensive as cast and crew have very strong unions.

“There are rules on how many crew members must be hired for each job, regardless of its necessity and they are strict on working hours.

“You only have a 20-minute grace period at the end of a day’s call sheet before overtime kicks in.”

On why she presses on, Gheetha said: “It’s my passion. I am not on a timeline or hurry to produce films.

“I pick and choose stories I believe in. Some make money that cover the ones that don’t.”

Of all the films in South India every year, only 20 per cent of them see sizeable returns.

On the home front, Gheetha’s first leading role was in C. Kumaresan’s comedy flick Maindhan in 2014. It starred Kumaresan, Datin Seri Shaila Nair, Rabbit Mac and THR Uthaya and was the first Malaysian made film to be screened in Chennai.

Maidhan, which remains the highest-grossing locally produced Tamil movie, opened up acting opportunities for Gheetha.

“Kollywood director Maarison saw it and liked my eyes. He felt they were perfect to play the lead in his fantasy-comedy film Sangu Chakaram in 2016.

“During Maidhan’s shooting, I did most of the stunts and got my fair share of cuts and bruises.

“But in Sangu Chakaram, where I played a ghost named Angayarkanni, I was suspended from the ceiling for most of the shooting period.”

She said it was nerve-wracking, but she put on a cool front.

“I was exhausted and dizzy at the end of each shoot.”

Sangu Chakaram hit local cinemas on Jan 5, and was well received in Malaysia and Chennai.

“After months of promotion for the film, I am finally taking a break,” said the food lover, who enjoys cooking and always on a lookout for delicious nasi lemak.

Gheetha’s next leading role is in Malaysian flick Atcham Thavir, directed by Karthik Shamalan and Singaporean SS Vikneshwaran.

The film, based on true events, also stars THR DJs Uthaya, Aanantha, Revathy, rapper Rabbit Mac and Jagat’s Kuben Mahadevan.

It is expected to be released in June.