Didn't believe I could: Mamitha Baiju credits Premalu, Bethlehem success to director

Actor Mamitha Baiju has thanked filmmaker Girish AD for believing in her and offering her a leading role in Bethlehem Kudumba Unit, which also stars Nivin Pauly. The film became the highest grossing Malayalam movie of all time and has continued to receive positive responses following its OTT release.Speaking at the film's success celebration on Sunday in Kerala, Mamitha recalled that Girish had narrated the story to her soon after the shooting of Super Sharanya ended, and before the film was released. She said she had not expected him to show such confidence in her at the time.Mamitha said Girish had already felt that she would suit the character in Bethlehem Kudumba Unit, though she still did not know what had made him so confident about casting her.“After Super Sharanya, the film's shoot had just wrapped up, and it had not been released yet. Girish chettan told me the story of Bethlehem at that time itself. He said then that it would be good if I played this character. Even today, I don't know what made Girish chettan say that to me or what gave him the confidence to trust me,” Mamitha said. “Now, as I stand here at the success meet of Bethlehem, all I have to say to Girish chettan is thank you. When someone stands by a person like me, who is practically nothing, there is a certain value they give that person. That is how I feel about Girish chettan. Whether it was Premalu or Bethlehem, at a time when I didn't even believe I could play a main heroine's role like this, he believed in me. I am very grateful to him,” she added.#MamithaBaiju says Girish AD approached her with the script of #BethlehemKudumbaUnit even before the release of her first tamil film https://t.co/Ek6cB2YucX— Balaji (@RDBalaji) October 19, 2026At the celebration, Mamitha also thanked the technicians, co-stars and other members of the team. The Jana Nayagan actor acknowledged those who worked in front of and behind the camera and made a special mention of her fellow cast members.Directed by Girish, Bethlehem Kudumba Unit arrived in theatres on August 21 and received a strong response from its opening shows. Positive word of mouth helped it maintain momentum at the box office, with its collections eventually crossing Rs 325 crore. The film is currently streaming on JioHotstar.- Ends