Tejaswi Madivada-starrer anthology film 'Commitment', directed by Lakshmikanth Chenna, is hitting the cinemas on Aug 19. Co-starring Ramya Pasupuleti, Simar Singh and Anveshi Jain, the anthology comprises four stories in all. In this interview, Tejaswi talks about her role in the film, her views on the evil of casting couch in the film industry, and more. "I am lucky in that I haven't faced casting couch so far. People are scared to misbehave with me," she says.
The producer of 'Commitment' has been stubborn about releasing it only in theatres. So, he rejected a number of OTT offers.
After my Bigg Boss stint, I was exploring opportunities. When I listened to the story narration given by director Lakshmikanth, I found it very slice of life, reflecting the experiences of aspiring actresses in the film industry. It's very realistic. I enacted real-life experiences. You could say it has similarities with Sri Reddy. Just as everyone liked 'Dirty Picture' (Hindi), you will also like this film.
'Commitment' doesn't defame the film industry at all. In fact, it is the opposite. We want the film industry's image to be preserved. Just because the truth inconveniences some people, it doesn't become an untruth. People need to be informed about the reality so that they can make informed decisions in the future.
Stories dealing with the theme of casting couch have always been there. But most of them are too cinematic, sugar-coating the reality. 'Commitment', on the other hand, feels like a documentary in terms of realistic depiction. There are four stories in the movie and I am part of just one of them. In my story, I am an aspiring actress. In another story, Ramya will be seen as a sexologist.
Women are having it hard in many fields. I am a qualified journalist myself. How many female journalists are there in this room? Women are unfree even after 75 years of Independence.
Adult content in a film reflects what happens in our society. Is it not true that we live adult lives? 'Ice Cream' had some adult content. If a film is content-driven, I am all for it. 'Commitment' talks about what happens on a daily basis in the real world. The director allowed me to react to what my character faces the way I had reacted in real life. That way, it's a very honest story!
I have never done a kissing scene before this film. I have now reached an age where I can do such a scene without inhibitions. Moreover, my male co-star in 'Commitment' has been my friend for many years. So, I was comfortable to do it with him.
I am noted but I don't know why I am not approached for acting assignments as much as I deserve. I am 30 now. It has been almost 10 years since I started acting. An actress doesn't necessarily have to be glamorous. I feel glad when I am told I look like how Revathi garu used to look when she was young! I compete with myself. I am growing to be a better actor. Some actors get success at 20, others at 25, still others at 35. It depends.
In the initial years itself, I got to work with RGV, Puri Jagannadh, and Srikanth Addala. I have done Tamil movies as well but I didn't feel comfortable there. I was 22 at that time and didn't find it easy. But now that I am 30, I am ready to give Kollywood a try once again.
