Social media to silver screen: Shelvin James shines as Basil Joseph’s confidante

Chennai: For content creator Shelvin James, playing the quintessential best friend on the big screen was a lifelong goal. After a decade of making sketches on social media and building his own fanbase, the 29-year-old says he has finally achieved it with his role in Athiradi.

Shelvin plays Prashant Raj aka Parashu in the film headlined by Basil Joseph. In his first full-length role, Parashu is the ideal confidante to Basil’s Sam Kutty — backing his friend through every irrational venture and drawing laughs with his retorts and reactions.

“I am happy that everyone has accepted the character. The response I get are mostly that they wish they had someone like a Parashu in their lives or that they are the Parashu in their gang,” Shelvin said over phone from Chennai, amid a busy schedule of film promotions.

The role marks Shelvin’s transition from digital sketches to mainstream cinema. With Athiradi earning praise, the creator-turned-actor is now reveling in audience appreciation for bringing the much-loved ‘best friend’ to life.