I am a different cop in ‘RED’: Nivetha Pethuraj

Nivetha Pethuraj awaits the release of ‘RED’ on January 14. Starring Ram Pothineni in dual roles, the action entertainer is directed by Kishore Tirumala. In this interview, the actress talks about what made her accept the film, why she trusts the director, her experience of working with Ram, her upcoming movies and more. 

Kishore Tirumala is special

Since I have worked with Kishore Tirumala sir on ‘Chitralahari’, I immediately said ok to ‘RED’ when he told me he would be casting me for the remake of ‘Thadam’ (Tamil). I haven’t watched the Tamil original. I wanted to be original. With Kishore sir, you don’t have to do much homework. He transforms an actor in his mold. I have played a cop before, but in ‘RED’, she doesn’t come across as a typical police officer. 

The directors I trust

I didn’t want to look the way I was in ‘Chitralahari’. I play a cop in ‘RED’ and she is innocent although she looks strong from the outside. With Kishore sir and Vivek Athreya, you can trust them blindly and get on board without listening to the script. With Vivek Athreya, I said ok to ‘Brochevarevarura’ without listening to the second half. 

Ram is different

Ram Pothineni is very professional. He has a weird sense of humour. He laughs at his own jokes. He and the director know Tamil. So, the duo and I used to converse only in Tamil on set. Ram is also adept at coming out of his character the moment his shot is over. It’s something I tried to learn from him, as I am not like that. 

A full-fledged character

I don’t have action sequences in the movie. As I said, I am tough only on the outside in the movie. I got to watch ‘RED’ while dubbing for my character. My character is a near-constant presence in the movie from the 31st minute till the end. 

We didn’t want any songs at all. There are three songs. The ‘Dinchak’ song was kept in the movie only after the movie started. 

Upcoming movies

I have all along been doing serious roles. ‘Paagal’, on the other hand, will be a complete contrast. It is a pucca commercial movie. ‘Viraata Parvam’ has got fighting scenes. It’s a special appearance in the Rana Daggubati movie. I am doing a film with Chandoo Mondeti. I am yet to listen to his ‘Kartikeya 2’ script. I am in talks for it, though. 

I have done eight movies in Tamil. I regret doing too many movies. My characters in ‘Mental Madhilo’ and ‘Chitralahari’ are remembered by the audience even after all these years. I want to do such distinct roles. 

Ready for glamour

I am ready to do glamorous roles only if a role makes sense. I have been offered a web series, but I haven’t signed on the dotted line. A Tamil movie will go on the floors in February. 

Want to be like Vijay Sethupathy

I want to be the female version of Vijay Sethupathy. He plays a father, a son, a comedian, a villain and even a heroine.