At 70, a Retired Teacher Finds Unexpected Acclaim as the Lead of a Malayalam Film
Biana Watre Momin, a 70-year-old retired English literature teacher from Meghalaya in north-eastern India, has taken an unlikely path into Indian cinema, becoming the lead actor in the Malayalam-language film Eko. Having lived a quiet life devoted to family, teaching, and reading, Momin never imagined acting as part of her future, especially given that her hometown had no cinema or theatre during her youth. Her journey into film began when she was encouraged by her daughter to audition for a role that required her to travel more than 3,000 kilometres to Kerala and perform in a language she did not understand.
Eko, directed by Dinjith Ayyathan, is an atmospheric eco-mystery and psychological drama set in the Western Ghats. Momin plays Mlathi Chettathi, a solitary elderly woman with a complex past, whose quiet strength and moral authority anchor the film. Despite having no formal acting training, Momin impressed the filmmakers during her audition with her emotional restraint, confidence, and spontaneity. Her life experience, combined with her background in a matrilineal tribal society, helped her embody a character defined by resilience and feminist undertones.
During filming, Momin learned her lines phonetically with the help of a language coach and adapted to the demanding physical conditions of shooting in mountainous terrain and unpredictable weather. Although her dialogue was later dubbed, she delivered all lines on set and quickly grasped the technical and emotional requirements of acting. Crew members noted her intuitive understanding of performance and camera movement.
Released on Netflix, Eko has received critical acclaim, with particular praise for Momin’s performance, described by actor Dhanush as world-class. The film’s success has led to new acting offers from across India, though Momin remains selective, aware of the physical demands of the profession. For now, she has returned home, continuing her family life and book club activities, while standing as a powerful example of late-life reinvention and increased representation of indigenous voices in Indian cinema.