"Agadha is a divine mystic thriller. It leans heavily into psychological horror and high-stakes tension. MS Raju garu always seeks a fresh narrative hook for his audiences. His energy and drive are relentless. I can barely match his level of absolute passion for cinema," says actor Shravan Reddy, talking about the film's biggest merit and its director's forte, in an interview. Ahead of the nationwide release of the supernatural thriller Agadha on August 14, the leading man sat down to discuss reuniting with director MS Raju, tackling moral ambiguity, and the potential for an expanding franchise.
My breakout film, Dirty Hari, received incredible support from the OTT audience upon its release in 2020, when theatres were shut down due to the Covid-19 pandemic. I received several project offers immediately afterward. Lockdowns created undeniable industry delays. So, I didn't slow down strategically. I voluntarily rejected some offers after they asked me to make an investment at the last minute. I was not ready for such a favour. Then I spent nearly a full year attached to Mangalavaaram. Every actor cares about the box office. Dirty Hari found its home on streaming platforms. But theatrical numbers matter deeply for a leading man. I am hoping Agadha earns that coveted box-office validation.
My character in Agadha is designed with distinct layers and changing shades. The character challenged me with its complexity. I thoroughly enjoyed bringing those nuances to life. Working with a visionary director like MS Raju garu again feels like a privilege. This project pushed me into entirely new territory. The nude shot in the trailer is entirely justified. It's there for bona fide reasons. It's not gimmicky at all. It's there because it's right. My character is in a weird situation and is in a tough situation.
There are no true villains in this story. Every character reacts dynamically to severe circumstances. The overarching theme pitted good against bad, God against evil. I actually had no formal preparation time. My real preparation happened frame by frame, because all that I had done was trust my director.
We shot mostly on practical locations. We constructed specific sets only when required to build that eerie, mystical atmosphere. The visual effects team polished every frame carefully to maximize impact. A narrative built on these themes leaves room for expansion. A prequel or a direct sequel is entirely natural for this world. I too am not aware of what is in store! Raju garu has a way of conceiving things in surprising ways. That's his way of functioning.
I am currently filming a project with director Chandra, an alumnus of the Raj and DK team. We wrapped our first schedule in Kashmir. I am also evaluating a few other projects in development. I look for weight and substance in every role. My character in Agadha stands apart from my previous performances. My goal is simple. I want to keep experimenting across different genres.
