Irandam Ulagam - about a man goes to any extent for his love, says Anushka [Interview]

Irandam Ulagam
She's described by many in the industry as the go-to girl for character-driven roles. But Anushka dismisses this statement with a 'it all depends on the script' line.

She says, "When you get a good script, and the director gives you proper lines, half your job is done. That's how I felt while shooting for Irandam Ulagam; I loved the script that was given to me and I've put in 100 per cent of hard work. If I were part of the audience, I would love to see this film." In a chat with Times of India, the actress shares her experience working on Selva's film, her equation with Arya and why she loves Georgians...

Was there any inkling of doubt in your mind when you were offered the script?
I would have hated it if someone else got to play my character. The minute I heard the script, I was floored. And I told myself there was no way I am missing this opportunity.

Tell us about the characters you play...
One of the roles I play is that of a doctor. She is head-over-heels in love with the hero, and is always behind him. She's innocent, but the other character I play is a lot more stronger. She's very different from the kind of people she lives with in her world, is rebellious and calls a spade a spade.

What kind of challenges did you face while shooting?
Even before we went on floors, we wanted to get our look right. Deepali did my costumes, and we were keen that the looks of the two characters I play must be very different. Arya and I were the only two Indians in the cast in the Georgia schedule, and we wanted to match up to what the natives looked like. Selva had a lot of creative inputs to give; he helped me a lot with my action sequences and he was really good with the sword-fighting as well. We didn't have a lot of time to rehearse, but with basic cues, I think we've overcome all the challenges.

The schedule in Georgia must have been one experience...
There were many 'firsts' in that schedule - the first biggest storm in Georgia happened when we were there and the President had to come down to give the citizens moral support and strength. It was also the first time that I shot at a place that was so cut off from civilisation. We were shooting at Datlo, which is seven hours away from Telavi, and even to buy basic necessities, we had to travel back to the city. The road that leads to this place is also interesting; it's hidden by waterfall and we had to wait for the right moment to cross it! The natives were a friendly lot, our driver and assistants always made sure we were well fed and comfortable. I used to ask him something in English, and they would reply in Georgian. The only language we understood was the signs.

The chemistry between you and Arya comes across as raw and sizzling...
It's a pucca love story, and we have some really interesting sequences. The film is about a man who can go to any extent for his love, and Selva has come out with very novel, innocent lines and scenes. Arya is a great actor to work with, and he makes you comfortable on the set. He's friendly, and I had a great time working with him.

Irandam Ulagam, produced by Param V Potluri for PVP Cinema and presented by Pearl V Potluri, will release in Tamil and Telugu on November 22

Anushka says she's absolutely smitten by a particular Georgian dance form she performed for this film."It's their national dance, and people learn it from a very young age. Those who danced with me had been training for around 18 years, and I got to rehearse only for four hours. It's a beautiful form, with fast leg movements and graceful hands gestures and postures and stance. If I have time, I want to learn this art form," she says.

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