'Gamanam' will be released in theatres on December 10. In this interview, Shriya Saran talks about the film, which is directed by Sujana Rao. The drama is layered and has music by Maestro Ilaiyaraj.
The film also features Shiva Kandukuri and Priyanka Jawalkar. Shriya says that 'Gamanam' is not a female-centric film.
I can't believe that I have completed two decades as an actress. I am grateful that I am here. It's a humbling feeling. I come from a simple background, I had a beautiful upbringing. My father used to work for BHEL. 'Ishtam' (Telugu) was my first film. I am grateful, really! Without the audience's love, I wouldn't have been able to do what I have been able to. I believe in God and I am here because of the magical power.
I had been a bit anxious about my choices until some films like 'Manam' happened. I have worked with the likes of Chiranjeevi sir and Rajinikanth sir. I realize that you have to give up your anxiety. When I am working, I am away from my family. If I do something, it has to be a meaningful film. I want to do films that I am proud of. 'Gamanam' is one such meaningful outing.
'Gamanam' is the journey of a host of characters. I had tears in my eyes when I heard the narration. I had a desire to become a part of the project. Stories have power. This is not the first time that I have worked with a female filmmaker.
Usually, there are no women behind the camera. I have worked with great units and nice men, who always respected my privacy and me. But we need more women to work on movies. I see many women starting to work in technical departments. There was a time when you were on periods, you found it hard to tell the director about it. Today, it's less difficult to convey because more women are present on set.
In 'Gamanam', I have played a person who can't hear but can speak. She probably had hearing ability till some stage in her life. The film is not about her disability. It's more about her helplessness. People are strong from within. They just need some incident to happen to stimulate the inner strength. The journey of someone who needs help to someone who helps herself... that's what 'Gamanam' is about.
Every character has its own journey in the film. They are finding themselves in 'Gamanam'. I was in Barcelona when the pandemic struck. I was living in fear of catching the infection. During the making of the film, I lost a friend. It was tough to cope. 'Gamanam' is a layered film where my character feels she is emotionally trapped.
'Gamanam' is not a women-oriented movie. It's about characters that have been hit by the same natural disaster. How they struggle through a phase and how they find strength is what the drama is about.
Sai Madhav Burra is a beautiful dialogue writer. His language is rooted because he understands emotions very well. I have previously mouthed his lines in 'Gautamiputra Satakarni'. VS Gnanasekhar sir is a superb cinematographer. I believe in his craft. He is really amazing. As for Ilaiyaraja sir, he is a legend. Even when he is performing in a foreign country, he creates mania.
I really don't know what to talk about my character in 'Roudram Ranam Rudhiram'. I don't have a brief from my director as yet.
