'Gangs Of Godavari', which is slated to hit the cinemas on May 31, has Neha Shetty in the role of a strong-willed woman named Bujji. She is paired up with Vishwak Sen in this period mass action entertainer.
The 'DJ Tillu' actress says that she is happy to be getting a variety of roles over the years. She was different in 'Bedurulanka 2012' and now in 'GoG'. She likens it to the range that SRK was known for in the late 1980s and early 1990s in Hindi cinema.
Bujji is my name in the film. She is rich, vulnerable, elegant, beautiful and strong. The trailer has shown her as a soft, vulnerable girl. However, she emerges as a strong woman in the course of the story. She comes from an affluent family. As such, her slang is neutral although the story is set in the Godavari region. Hitherto, I have only played young women roles in their early 20s. In 'GoG', I am subtle and express a lot through my eyes. Since Bujji is from a rural background, she has to be demure in the presence of elders. She is expected to never look into the eyes of elders. Such a demure woman goes on to become a strong woman.
The story spans many years, chronicling the lives of the prime characters from childhood to adulthood. The emotional range of a woman over the years has been captured through Bujji.
Director Krishna Chaitnaya asked me to take yesteryear actress Shobana garu as my reference. I had to understand the way she did her hair and draped her saree. This is a period drama set in the 1990s. I don't think our film has any similarities with 'Gangs Of Wasseypur'. For that matter, I haven't watched 'GoW' till date. So, I can't comment.
When I entered the film industry, I was skeptical about whether sarees suit me at all. But now, I am extremely comfortable with the attire.
I do have combination scenes with Anjali. She is a bubbly person on sets. She is cheery even when she is about to do a serious scene. I am unlike her. If I am doing an emotional scene, I am calm even before the scene is shot.
Director Krishna Chaitanya is a great human. He is a man of a few words. However, his script is so profound that I was surprised. There is so much more to him than he comes across. I am not aware of the sequel to 'GoG'. Our director is from the Godavari region. He grew up watching the culture there. People are assuming that this film has only killings. It is a multi-genre film that will also entertain you thoroughly.
The film was shot in two Summers. The heat was so unbearable that some individuals fainted on set. Yet, Nature was cooperative. During the shoot of a romantic song, it rained all of a sudden. I am happy that my rain songs strike a chord with the audience. When I think of rain songs, I am reminded of how graceful Sridevi used to be (smiles).
The Godavari people are extremely warm and welcoming. Their hospitality is lovely! Sithara Entertainments feels home. It's a great banner to work with. This is my second film with it after 'DJ Tillu'.
I am doing a film with Bellamkonda Srinivas. My portions are yet to be shot. After Covid-19, the audience are watching movies in theatres choicily. I am therefore being selective. I am not getting the right scripts in good numbers. That's why I am slow.
I was five when I decided to become an actress. I started learning dancing, etc. My interest in dialogues and costumes began at the age of five. I take proper 2.5-hour narrations. I don't go by synopsis and all. I did dub for 'Gully Rowdy' but I haven't dubbed for 'GoG'.
