Ahead of the theatrical release of 'Happy Birthday' on July 8, actress Lavanya Tripathi talks about the film. As the 'Andala Rakshasi' diva completes a decade in films, she also makes it clear that she is not up for playing routine roles. The actress is in a happy space, confident of pulling off roles as different as a widow and an IPS officer.

A distinct genre

It was a good feeling to hold the gun while shooting for 'Happy Birthday'. The genre and the characterization thrilled me in the context of the surreal action-comedy screenplay. I am a physically fit person and I like to pull off action scenes. 'Happy Birthday' has explosive potential. The story takes place on the night of my character's birthday, wherein several tracks culminate at one location.

Promising premise

Vennela Kishore has played a Union Minister who is not educated but has the conviction and power to pass a dangerous gun bill. The premise, the unreal world in which the story takes place, and my character enticed me into doing the film. In real life, I would never wish that a free-for-all gun law is brought into existence.

Context matters

There is a difference in the genre of violence seen in 'KGF' and 'Happy Birthday'. In the latter, the violence is taking place in a surreal world. When I watch zombie thrillers, I like to be transported to a surreal world!

Fresh content alone can excite the audience

We are watching a range of content on OTT. The big-screen experience and cinema have to be refreshing. 'Happy Birthday' answers the audience's thirst for novel content.

Director's vision

Ritesh Rana, the director, wrote the character Happy with me in mind. He watched one of my interviews and started imagining me for the role. His 'Mathu Vadalara' was a hilarious thriller.

An awesome producer

Clap Entertainment has made 'Happy Birthday' without compromising anywhere. They deployed the latest technological advancements to enhance production values. Producer Cherry sir made me feel like a hero on set.

Love to be jovial

Comedy is usually tough but, thanks to my nature in real life, I found it a little easy to do comedy. Those who know me in real life see me as a jovial person. I love to make people laugh. I love to joke around. My onscreen image may be that of a serious person, but I am totally non-serious in real life. I don't like loud comedies.

'No' to routine cinema

Female-centric movies are done and dusted. Many actresses have done them. 'Happy Birthday' is in a different space. It's a stand-out film in the sense that its genre is not run-of-the-mill. That said, the movie is a character-based movie rather than a female-centric one.

The action scenes were fun to do even though I did hurt my elbow. The pain was there for two months. Heroes are paid high remunerations for a reason.

A decadal journey

'Andala Rakshasi' has been 10 years. My confidence comes from the confidence my directors have in me. I was inexperienced when I did my first movie. Since then, I have come to acquire experience by doing a wide range of roles. SS Rajamouli garu graced an event of my first movie. He graced the pre-release event of 'Happy Birthday' as well. I feel lucky!

Don't bother about result

I give my 110% every time. Results are not in my hand. I am a hungry actor. Unfortunately, you don't get to play author-backed roles all the time. Some actors don't want to be a Numero Uno star. I have been on my own path. I have pursued my own journey. 'A1 Express' was hockey-based, while 'Chaavu Kaburu Challaga' was an emotionally taxing role. In contrast, 'Happy Birthday' has me in a happy role!

Meaningful roles

Just because an actress does just one movie a year, it doesn't mean she is not doing films for want of offers. I listen to scripts every other day! I have no problem playing a supportive part to the hero, but the role has to be strong and meaningful.

I relax and live my life my way. I don't compare myself with others. Whatever I am doing in front of the camera is what I want to do. I now know what works and what doesn't. I want to tour and all. I want to be in my own space.

Upcoming projects

'Puli-Meka' is realistic. The web series is my OTT debut. I am playing a top cop in the web series. I have a Tamil movie with actor Atharvaa lined up.

About 'Puli-Meka': To be streamed on ZEE5: A thriller, its story revolves around a serial killer and the police department. When the killer targets the police department by killing cops one after another, the thrills begin. Astrology is an important ingredient in the story.