'Stand Up Rahul', a feel-good romantic comedy, is all set to hit the cinemas on March 18. Starring Raj Tarun and Varsha Bollamma as the lead pair, the rom-com has yesteryear actress Indraja in the role of the male lead's mother.
In this interview, Indraja talks about what made her accept the role, how it is different from other films, why she is not accepting movies in good numbers, her upcoming projects, and more.
When director Santo narrated the story on a call, I really liked the idea. I was not only excited but also thrilled. Usually, the relationship between the father and son, the mother and son is narrated in a cliched way in our movies. But here, the narration brings out the importance of the mother in a family.
Murli Sharma has played my husband. But it's my character who takes care of everything in the family. She wants to see in her son what she thinks her husband lacks. When she sees him become another version of his father, she is heartbroken. The character arc is made complete when the son learns to see things from her mother's perspective at one stage.
Male artists are getting to play interesting supporting roles. But it's female artists who are not getting to play them adequately. I have not been doing movies in good numbers because I haven't received inspiring roles. I have done movies like 'Shatamanam Bhavati' and 'Shamanthakamani'. If an artist acts in a hit movie, the impact would be very positive on her career. She would land more and more opportunities.
New directors are unique in their own respects. Each of the new-age directors has got his own style. As an artist, I have got much ground to cover. What has been done is so little compared to what I have to do.
I am happy that 'Stand Up Rahul' is the kind of movie that both youngsters and their families must watch together. This film shows that passionate youngsters can balance their passion and work-life if they have the right conviction. Besides, the film also touches upon themes like the husband-wife relationship and how parents must communicate with their children.
Nadhiya, Khushbu, Roja, and Aamani are seniors to me. Ravali and Sanghavi are my contemporaries. Artists of our generation want to do roles provided they are good. The likes of Taapsee Pannu and Samantha are doing female-oriented characters. An artist has no boundaries. There is definitely stiff competition in the industry because there are many good artists. They are ready to play sisters, aunts, and all.
I am doing three movies these days. They are ready for a theatrical release. I have a film with Kannada Kishore. I am also sharing screen space with Nithiin.
(About film's other cast and crew: With music by Sweekar Agasthi, the film is directed by Santo Mohan Veeranki. Vennela Kishore, Murali Sharma, Devi Prasad and Madhurima are part of the cast.)
