February 13, 2025
Salaar actor Sriya Reddy: ‘Cinema evolves once we write higher and sophisticated roles for ladies with good character arcs’

Actor Sriya Reddy in Salaar: Half 1 – Ceasefire.

Amid Salaar: Half 1 — Ceasefire‘s predominantly male-centric narrative, there emerges a powerful female presence embodied by Sriya Reddy. Portraying the formidable character of Radha Rama Mannar, the daughter of Raja Mannar (Jagapathi Babu) and a brief ruler of Khansaar, Reddy holds her personal and instructions respect, usually outshining her male counterparts. Because the movie’s launch, her distinctive efficiency has turn out to be a subject of widespread acclaim. Reddy, extra of a personality actor, has accomplished extra work in Tamil, together with final yr’s Tamil web-series Suzhal: The Vortex on Prime video, and a handful in Malayalam, too. In this interview, she talks about her comeback to Telugu cinema after 2006’s Amma Cheppindi and the admiration coming her method for her function in Salaar.

Reflecting on the inception of Radha Rama’s character, Reddy discloses that she knowledgeable Prashanth Neel that her return to Telugu cinema hinged on the importance of her function. “He assured me that my function could be distinctive, and true to his phrase, it stood out. There have been quite a few cellphone calls, conferences, and look assessments. By the tip of this course of, we had a complete understanding of Radha Rama Mannar’s character,” she says. Edited excerpts:

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What introduced you again to Telugu cinema after such an extended hiatus?

I advised Prashanth Neel I wouldn’t come again to Telugu cinema except my function is substantial. He promised me my function would stand out, and he’s a person of his phrase. There have been loads of cellphone calls, conferences, look assessments… By the tip of all of it, we knew what Radha Rama Mannar was all about.

Are you able to share insights into your character Radha Rama Mannar’s regal look in Salaar?

Other than my efficiency, Prashanth Neel had a transparent imaginative and prescient for Radha’s look. The color palette and jewelry have been fastidiously chosen. Costume designer Poornima Ramaswamy did a superb job, avoiding prints or difficult parts that would distract from the character’s persona. We opted for actual silver jewelry to keep up authenticity on-screen.

How do you understand the evolution of roles for feminine actors in Indian cinema, particularly citing Salaar for example?

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Issues have come a great distance; Salaar is a testomony to that. Whereas robust male characters take centre stage, there’s now room for ladies who maintain their floor and have a voice. Filmmakers are evolving, and I’ve personally witnessed adjustments. Previously, I used to be warned towards headstrong characters, however I selected to create new floor guidelines. Cinema evolves once we write higher and sophisticated roles for ladies with good character arcs.

How did your male co-stars, reminiscent of Prabhas, reply to your character’s prominence in Salaar?

Prabhas, being a safe actor, didn’t thoughts my character having a big presence. He is likely one of the nicest human beings and helps his co-stars. Prithviraj can be great, and I really feel lucky to work with such gifted males.

As a Reddy, how does it really feel to return to Telugu cinema?

It fills me with delight to behave in Telugu once more. I’ve additionally signed a movie known as OG with Sujeeth in Telugu. I’m in love with the script; Sujeeth has penned a complete winner. Working with Pawan Kalyan, Prakash Raj, and the crew is thrilling. Pawan Kalyan is a superb human being, clever, and witty off-screen. Like Prabhas, he lets co-stars take heart stage. Working with Prakash Raj once more seems like coming dwelling, and the cinematographer, Ravi Ok Chandran, is my childhood good friend and sensible.

What was your first response when Prashant Neel approached you for the function in Salaar?

Initially, I used to be hesitant concerning the function in Salaar when Prashant Neel approached me. Nonetheless, his persistence and assurance concerning the script’s significance for my character satisfied me to contemplate the chance.

What went into the event of your character, Radha Rama?

Curiously, my character, Radha Rama, wasn’t a part of the unique script. Prashant Neel determined to introduce a feminine antagonist whereas creating the movie, including a layer of complexity to the narrative.

What have been Prashant Neel’s directions concerning the portrayal of your character?

Prashant Neel was clear about not portraying my character as a typical screaming villain. He aimed for a steadiness between magnificence and a contact of villainy, avoiding a very menacing look.

Had been there discussions concerning the look of Radha Rama?

Sure, there have been a number of discussions concerning Radha Rama’s look. We explored varied appears, together with silver ornaments and tattoos, aiming to strike the precise steadiness with out giving her a very villainous look.

How was the expertise working with Prabhas and Prithviraj Sukumaran?

Working with Prabhas and Prithviraj Sukumar was fulfilling. They each maintained knowledgeable but calm manner on the set, making a optimistic working surroundings.

Are you able to present insights into the narrative construction of Salaar, particularly concerning its similarity to films like Recreation of Thrones and Baahubali?

Salaar follows the same sample to films like Recreation of Thrones and Baahubali, the place the primary half establishes the story. Salaar Half 2 is anticipated to delve deeper into the narrative, increasing past the occasions of the primary installment.

How has your function as Radha Rama been obtained by the trade?

For my function as Radha Rama in Salaar, I obtained appreciation calls from a number of trade members. My character may have a extra outstanding presence in Salaar Half 2, and the second half will broaden past the occasions of the primary installment.

Are you able to share any particulars about your function in Salaar Half 2?

My character may have a extra outstanding presence in Salaar Half 2 and the second half is anticipated to broaden past the occasions of the primary installment.

What made you signal Pawan Kalyan’s OG, and what will probably be your character like in that movie?

I used to be impressed by the emotional depth and motion parts within the script of Pawan Kalyan’s OG. I received’t be doing a unfavorable function in it.