'Varudu Kaavalenu' will be released in theatres on October 29. In this interview, actress Ritu Varma talks about her character, working with Naga Shaurya, debutante director Lakshmi Sowjanya, her future projects, and more.
This is my third release of the year, after 'Ninnila Ninnila' and 'Tuck Jagadish'. 'Varudu Kaavalenu' is my first theatrical release.
Doing strong female characters is my strength. I do my best when I am under pressure. My character in 'Varudu Kaavalenu' has got a lot of shades. When you watch the movie, you will know what I am talking about. You will see me as a complete performer after this movie.
I am a bag of emotions. Every movie release is like a festival. A week before the release of my movie, I feel important. The industry people have been very positive about 'Varudu Kaavalenu'. Hopefully, the audience are going to like the film. The family audience will love it, the youth will love the love story.
This is not a female-centric film. It's a love story. Just because the heroine's character is strong, doesn't mean it's a female-centric film.
Naga Shaurya is a disciplined actor who is particular about his fitness and looks. When it comes to love stories, the pairing has to click. Our pairing in the trailer has worked with the audience.
This is the first time that I have done a mass number ('Digu Digu Naga'). It's usually not my style. I worked really hard. I was nervous throughout the practice phase. But the team constantly encouraged me.
The characters I play are quite relatable. I see myself in the characters that I play. Every character goes through a different journey and my character in 'Varudu Kaavalenu' is the way she is for a reason. It's not a regular love story. There are no mandatory hugs and romances. Love is not about just hugging and all. It brings to life the old-school romance. There are family emotions, subtle message-giving, and all.
The story is from the girl's perspective. Lakshmi Sowjanya, as a female director, has ensured that the woman's angle is brought out effectively. I don't like to differentiate filmmakers on the basis of genders. But the way she has told the story, it is important to mention gender.
My characters have always reflected the thinking of today's generation. That's why they make a strong impact. Nadiya ma'am has played an innocent woman's character. Murali Sharma garu is a perfectionist. His hold on the language is brilliant. His dialogue delivery is clear.
No element in this film is forced. Everything from comedy to the songs is situational. 'Digu Digu Naga' is also meaningful in the film. Why I performed the song that way has a strong reason. The Sid Sriram-crooned song is beautiful. So, 'Kola Kalle' is my most favourite from the movie.
I don't want to think about marriage for 2-3 years at least. My parents are progressive. They rarely joke that I have to get married but they don't mean it really (smiles).
I personally like period films. Before I stop acting, I want to do at least one period film. It could be a love story or anything. Horror is not my cup of tea. I don't like watching horror movies even. I would definitely like to do a web series if I find something exciting. I am doing an anthology for Amazon Prime. Last year, I did one with Gautham Menon. I recently started shooting for a film with Ashok Selvan as the hero in Tamil. It's my second outing with him. I am yet to sign a new Telugu film. I have a Telugu release lined up with Sharwanand ('Oke Oka Jeevitham').
I did 'Tuck Jagadish' because I wanted to work with Nani and director Shiva Nirvana. Sometimes, things go wrong. It's not in our hands. People are disappointed with my character in that movie because they had expected a lot more from it. I am glad that people have high expectations from me.
