Aparna Balamurali has played Suriya's heroine in 'Aakasam Nee Haddu Raa' ('Soorarai Pottru' in Tamil), which is going to stream on Amazon Prime from November 12. The Malayalam actress, who debuted in 2015 with 'Oru Second Class Yathra', is exuberant ahead of the film's OTT release.
In an exclusive interview with Ragalahari, the actress has spoken about her experience of working on the movie with Suriya and director Sudha Kongara.
The journey so far
I came into the Malayalam film industry almost accidentally. My family as a whole hasn't got a movie background; my father has got a music connection, though. After 'Maheshinthe Prathikaram' in Malayalam, I have gone on to play a variety of characters. In one of the films, I played an auto driver. Whatever I am today is because of 'MP'.
None like Suriya sir
Suriya sir is a superstar who is very humble. If I could do the movie with ease, it's because he made me feel comfortable. The level of dedication and sincerely he shows is not small.
The journey into 'Aakasam Nee Haddu Raa'
In a recent interview, my director told me she had seen 'MP' and called me for an audition. I gave an audition but was not happy because I couldn't get the Madurai accent right. But she saw potential in me and roped me in for the role. I am very happy to have bagged a project like this. The audition scene took me one hour for me to prepare.
An engaging script
The script of the movie is very engaging and momentous. The best thing about Sudha ma'am is that she is always open to opinions even from a beginner like me. I was trained in the Madhurai slang to ensure that the accent doesn't look artificial.
The perfectionist duo
The movie has got a number of elements, besides having the superb combination of Suriya sir and Sudha ma'am at the helm. They have crafted the film beautifully. I am lucky that they chose me for the role. They both are perfectionists. I was so surprised to see Suriya sir as a 19-year-old that I was spell-bound.
Wonderful memories
The Madurai schedule has given me lots of wonderful memories. We started mingling with the people there. We explored a lot of pop culture off shoot. Working on the movie gave me immense work satisfaction. I dubbed for myself in the Tamil original. It is going to be a really inspiring film that will give you a push in life.
Legends like Paresh Rawal sir and Mohan Babu sir have got proper roles. The film is not just about the hero. Unfortunately, I don't have any combination scenes with Mohan Babu sir.
Superb music
GV Prakash sir has given his best output in terms of music. All the songs are raw, folkish and distinct. For the 'Pilla Puli' song, everything fell in place, thanks to the music, the choreography and the visual treat. It's not the usual romantic song.
Want to do quality movies
I would love to do a movie like 'Mahanati', which has inspired me a lot in different ways. I want to play quality movies in keeping with 'ANHR'. Dance is something I have always done. I started dancing since I was a Class II student. On the other hand, singing has been a challenge for me.
Telugu films have a unique flavour
I have never got a chance to explore Telugu films as an actor. As an audience, I have watched a number of Telugu movies, which offer a distinct visual treat. 'Baahubali' never bores me no matter how many times I watch it. I would want to at least visit the sets of a Rajamouli sir movie.
OTT is the only go
OTT is a great platform for new directors and actors. Practically thinking, it is good that 'ANHR' is releasing on OTT. It's the best that could have happened.
