Kani Kusruti

Based in Kerala

Kani Kusruti is an Indian actress best known for her work in Malayalam cinema. She gained global recognition with her role in ‘All We Imagine As Light’ (2024), which won the Grand Prix and the Prix des Cinémas Art et Essai – Special Mention at the Cannes Film Festival, placing her among the most visible contemporary performers from Indian independent cinema.

Born in a village near Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Kusruti was introduced to acting from an early age through the Abhinaya Theatre Research Centre. After studying at the Thrissur School of Drama, she further trained at L’École Internationale de Théâtre Jacques Lecoq in Paris, a renowned institution for physical theatre.

She first gained recognition through her role in the anthology film ‘Kerala Cafe’ (2009) and gradually built a reputation for choosing layered, unconventional roles. Her performances in films such as Cocktail, Shikkar, and the award-winning Biriyaani — for which she received the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress — established her as a performer drawn to complex women on the margins of society. Alongside cinema, she has remained active in theatre, collaborating with international ensembles and touring productions across India and parts of Europe.

She has also served on juries at the Busan International Film Festival (2024) and the Locarno Film Festival (2025).

Social Media Handle:

Instagram: @kantari_kanmani