Jinil Rexa and Jivin Rexa are so identical that it is difficult to tell them apart. “Interestingly, people now try to distinguish between us based on the roles we played,” says Jinil, referring to the characters they essayed in the blockbuster dark comedy, ‘Mohiniyattam’. He adds, “However, we don’t reveal who is who to anyone!”
The Kochi-based twins play Arun Ghosh (Jinil) and Ajay Ghosh (Jivin) – half-siblings in the movie and its prequel, ‘Bharathanatyam’ (2024) .
The breakout roles that changed everything
Their uncanny resemblance is a crucial plot point in ‘Bharathanatyam’, a family drama revolving around Bharathan Nair (Sai Kumar), whose life unravels as a secret family comes to light. While Ajay, the youngest of Bharathan Nair’s children, is a known troublemaker, Arun, his half-brother, is well-mannered and quiet. “Both of us relate to Arun more than Ajay,” jokes Jivin, 29 .
The shared humour and chemistry between the two actors became one of the highlights of the film, which received positive reviews following its OTT release despite a modest theatre run. The duo plays key roles in ‘Mohiniyattam’ as well, which raked in over ₹50 crore at the box office and picks up where the first film left off – Bharathan’s second family restarting their life in a village called Sreekandapuram, where a new trouble awaits as they end up committing a murder .
How it all began
Since their acting debut in 2020 in a web series, Jinil and Jivin were always considered a “single entity”. Jinil, then an interior designer, was dropping off Jivin at an editing studio when they were spotted by Alex Varghese, director of a web series ‘Adapadalam’, who decided to cast them .
The twins acted in a film for the first time in an unreleased movie called ‘Shalamon’, shot in 2023. They recall that Krishnadas, an acquaintance of the film’s writer, called them to audition for ‘Bharathanatyam’ after watching their performance. The actors were selected a day before the film’s shooting commenced and were trained by theatre artist Rakesh Palissery. “We each had to try out lines for both the characters, before the roles were decided,” says Jivin .
Finding their feet
The duo has acted as identical twins in four films before ‘Bharathanatyam’. “When we heard the script of ‘Bharathanatyam’, it sounded unique to us, considering how it established the relationship between the two of us,” says Jinil. Jivin adds, “We used to be junior artistes. ‘Bharathanatyam’ was probably one of the first films in which we got full-length roles” .
The twins recall that the ensemble cast of both films, featuring experienced actors such as Suraj Venjaramoodu, Jagadish, Sai Kumar, and Saiju Kurup, created a “supportive space”. “Saiju chettan was like a brother to us throughout the shoot,” says Jivin .
Struggles beyond the screen
Despite finding their calling for acting, the journey has not been easy. The actors add that post-‘Bharathanatyam’, they did several jobs to earn a living – including painting work .
When the film did not perform well in theatres initially, it was disappointing. “We were sad when the film didn’t succeed in theatres. Saiju chettan and everyone was very sad. Seeing Saiju chettan’s sadness made us even more upset. But then the film worked out on OTT, and everyone started watching and sharing their opinions,” they recalled in a previous interaction .
Born to a civil engineer father and a social worker mother, the twins are the youngest of four children. Despite starting acting relatively late, they believe they must make the most of the opportunities they get .
What’s next
The duo’s filmography includes projects such as ‘Chatha Pacha’ (2026) and ‘Vishesham’ (2024), among others. They are currently in talks for roles together and individually .
“We want to work with more directors in the industry and do roles that have a lasting impact,” says Jinil, who expressed their wish to work in an action thriller .
For two brothers who were once junior artistes, the spotlight on them post-‘Mohiniyattam’ is a validation of their persistence – and proof that in cinema, sometimes the most memorable characters come in matching pairs.
