Daaku Maharaaj, set to hit the cinemas on January 12, has Shraddha Srinath of Jersey fame in a crucial role. The actress says that her role will connect with the audience for sure.
The film, directed by Bobby Kolli, has Nandamuri Balakrishna in a dual role. Its music is by Thaman. In this interview, Shraddha talks about her role in the movie and more.
My films have subtle, serious themes. Daaku Maharaaj, on the contrary, is a complete package. There is action, there is comedy, there is everything. When the offer came my way, I knew I had to give my best.
Nandini is my name in the movie. She is soft and quiet-natured. She can take a lot but she also knows when to say no. She knows when to speak up once she runs out of patience. The character is laced with depth. It's usually hard for female actors to perform solidly in mass movies. Daaku Maharaaj is different. I got to shine in the whatever screen time my character has in the film.
My look is inspired by the fabrics of a certain era. Even the nail polish, hairdo were the result of the director's research. The dubbing had to be measured. The pauses needed to be precise. The Co-Director who worked with me is an old-school person. He comes from a certain school of cinema. So, it was a learning experience doing the film. Usually, my performances are more contemporary. Daaku Maharaaj took me back to my theatre days.
I am sure that this film and my role are going to have positive consequences for my career. The character's potential to be affecting is high.
Speaking in Tamil while doing Tamil movies has been a struggle. Because speaking in the language is not easy at all. Kannada and Telugu are easy relatively; they also sound similar. As for Hindi, it is like my tongue because I was raised in northern India. Working across languages has been an experience. U-Turn in Kannada is where my actual journey started. I got to deliver a raw performance in it.
I was in Standard V when Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai was released. After watching the movie, I came back to my home, locked myself in my room, and started acting out a scene. I had a flair for acting even then.
I don't want to be associated with mediocre films. Even if a film of mine is not a box office success, I wouldn't have any regrets.
Daaku Maharaaj is my second film with Sithara Entertainments. It is a good sign. It shows that we trust each other. The banner gave me one of my biggest successes in the form of Jersey. Nothing can beat my Jersey character. Producer S Naga Vamsi has been coming up with excellent movies. Their movies are also commercially successful. Director Bobby is very passionate. He is very good as an actor. You have to see his acting skills. He knew the meter of my performance and brought it out from me when I was in doubt.
I like to work in Telugu films max. I love the Andhra food that I get to eat while working here. Bendakai Fry, Dal with Rice are my favourites. I mostly stick to a veg diet. Sankranthi is a major festival in our family.
Ponniyin Selvan-type genre is my favourite. I want to do a role that requires a period look. I want to also wield the megaphone some day. I think I am good at directing actors.
