CAST JANANI IYER INTERVIEW

Definitely. Thegidi has been met with an overwhelming response; it is the talk of the town. There has been a great response in Twitter too. I knew I was part of a very good film but this is totally an unexpected response.

Even the weekdays are running full. The good word of mouth has done the trick after a slow opening. This proves that audiences are open to encourage and accept new films.

The movie’s Telugu dubbed version Bhadram is also doing great in A centers, and the family crowd is very welcoming. They encourage dubbed films also in Andhra. For a dubbed film, we had great promotions and in fact people thought it was a straight film as the lip sync and all is perfect. Recently when I went to Hyderabad for Bhadram’s release, people there were calling me Madhu thanks to the movie’s impact.

My first film Avan Ivan gave me a great reach. People still call me Babyma as they liked my role in the film. In Avan Ivan, the immature role suited my age then. I couldn’t have asked for a better launchpad, what with big heroes, a big banner and of course Bala Sir. I am a huge fan of him. A lead role in his film was like a dream come true. Bala Sir was strict only during the shots while he was really jovial at other times. He teaches his artists and extracts the right work. Every actor should work with him at least once as it is a lifetime experience.
 

After Avan Ivan, its Thegidi which has given my career a big fillip as it is a total package. I am taking my own speed and creating my own space. I am not after quantity and just want to be in good projects. I am getting good offers after Thegidi and my career should go to the next level after Thegidi’s big success. The next film has to live up to this level. I hope there won’t be another big gap.

Swati Reddy is a good friend as we’ve done a Malayalam film together. I do stay in touch with my other contemporaries and peers in the industry.

Trisha was very sweet once, when she approached me at an event. I asked her hesitantly if she even knew me but she replied that she wouldn’t ever forget Bala’s heroines. We exchanged numbers then and stay in touch once in a while.

Arya and Vishal also stay in touch. Avan Ivan’s shoots will be among my most unforgettable and happiest days. I used to play around on the sets as I was just out of college. Even Bala Sir used to partake in all the fun. It was extra fun with Arya and the others around in the set.

Vishal was very encouraging. In Avan Ivan, I took a lot of takes, and was nervous as it was my first film. He helped me with my lines, was very encouraging with good soothing words. This relaxed me and I could perform well. He was very patient when I took many takes.

Ashok is a good friend too.