Anjali on 'Vakeel Saab', Pawan Kalyan & more
- IndiaGlitz, [Thursday,April 01 2021]
Anjali has played a key role in 'Vakeel Saab', which will hit the screens on April 9. In this interview, the actress talks about how the remake came her way, work experience with Power Star Pawan Kalyan, what makes 'VS' a unique remake and more.
Known for hits such as 'Journey', Anjali also says that she privileges quality over quantity.
Excerpts:
It was director Venu Sriram garu who first approached me. He told me that 'Vakeel Saab' won't be a frame-to-frame remake, adding that it would be rooted in the Telugu cultural sensitivities. When he narrated the script, I loved it.
I have watched 'Pink' but not the Tamil remake, 'Nerkonda Parvaai'. Compared to 'Pink', there are a number of changes in the Telugu version. You will see a different film. You will understand what I am saying when you watch it on April 9. I can't compare 'Pink' and the Telugu remake.
I was nervous to work with Pawan Kalyan sir initially. Once he is on sets, pin-drop silence would come to prevail. I wouldn't talk much in his presence. After 2-3 days, it felt comfortable, though. The way he focuses on the scenes is quite impressive.
Pawan sir is quiet on the sets. He talks with one and all but doesn't talk much. He is dignified. It took me 15 days to go and talk with him.
When the film came my way, I was excited to know what role I would be playing. The weight of my character is strong. When there is a superstar in the film, weak characters don't make an impact. But mine is really a well-written character. The kind of theme that this film touches upon, it will make you feel strongly about it.
The peak of my character in the film is where I burst out in the courtroom scene saying that I took money from the other party. I hadn't rehearsed for the scene. I had been looking forward to the scene right from the day it was narrated. I could enact the scene that well because the theme hit me hard.
I, Nivetha Thomas and Ananya have got combination scenes throughout. The emotional bonding between the three characters is a key element in the film. We got along well with each other. You will see three friends in the film and not three actors.
Pawan sir happened to applaud my acting in one of the scenes. I heard that he doesn't do it usually. It means a lot.
I have got a number of scenes with Prakash Raj sir in the film. His is an intimidating character. He would talk aloud and I would get tensed on sets (smiles). If the other actor in the scene is good, you too will do a good job.
'Maguva' is not there in the Hindi and Tamil versions. The soul of the movie revolves around the three female characters. So, the song was infused to show their bonding. It's one of my most favourite moments in the movie.
Feminism has to be used in the right way. It has been used in both positive and negative ways.
I can't name my upcoming movies. Definitely, I am going to do exciting projects in both Telugu and Tamil. My characters in 'SVSC', 'Journey' and 'Gitanjali' have been popular. Definitely, my character in 'Vakeel Saab' will be remembered for long. As far as I am concerned, quantity is not my focus. I look for quality. The quality of my choices will determine the quality of my filmography. Hit or flop is not in my hands. It's up to the audience. I am very happy with what I have. I am happy with my choices and the stars I have got to work with.