Recently, actress Sriya Reddy’s mother-in-law decided to visit her on the set of director Priyadarshan’s next film. She had to search extensively for her tall, glamorous bahu before she managed to locate her. “I looked nothing like what I usually am. She’s so used to seeing well-dressed heroines on her son’s sets that she was taken aback,” laughs the actress.
“Not just my mother-in-law; all of us on the sets had trouble recognising each other. We’ve transformed ourselves into the characters,” says an excited Sriya, who’s teaming up again with the National Award-winning Kanchivaram team.
Priyadarshan discussed the film with Sriya almost a year ago, before she began work on Andaava Kanom, which is due to release soon. “I was looking to get back into acting, and this seemed like a great idea. It was the perfect script, but Priyan sir wanted to take some time before he began work. Once he announced it, everything fell into place. Prakash Raj sir gave bulk dates, director Vijay suggested Ashok Selvan and Nasser sir was roped in.” The technical team is strong too; it comprises art director Sabu Cyril, cinematographer Sameer Thahir of Bangalore Days fame and dialogues by Vijay.
The film, produced by director Vijay’s Think Big Studios, was shot using live sound; and so, the audience will finally get to hear Sriya’s real voice, the same one that had listeners of SS Music spellbound years ago. “We felt live sound would go well with the theme of the film; it adds more depth,” she says.
The film, which revolves around AIDS, was shot in 25 days. “It is a gripping tale that revolves around three people, and has been narrated with sensitivity,” she adds. Post-production is on and the team hopes to take the film to international film festivals. They are on the lookout for a composer who will create a rousing score.
Sriya has pinned high hopes on both Andaava … and the Priyadarshan film. “Today’s audience is educated and intelligent; they don’t want trash. I’m so glad to be working now and I’m glad that I waited out all those years when I was being offered terrible roles or item songs. Now, I’m hearing some wonderful scripts; I might be doing a sports film soon. But, I’m very picky. I don’t have to prove anything to anyone… I’m just here for the love of acting.”
