My character in ‘Manmadhudu-2’ is layered: Rakul Preet Singh

Ahead of the release of ‘Manmadhudu-2’ on August 9, Rakul Preet Singh speaks about the movie, her role in it, working with Akkineni Nagarjuna and director Rahul Ravindran, her upcoming movies and more.

What is your character like in the comedy entertainer?  It seems you have played such a role for the first time in your career.  Tell us more about it.

My name in the movie is Avantika.  It’s a layered character and we have also released a separate Teaser for it.  Besides being a fun woman, Avantika is always high on energy.  She is a mature woman and naughty as well.  She is stylish and this is the first-of-its-kind character for me in my career.  I would call her a layered character because she packs in various emotions.  She is not limited to songs and certain scenes.  

The story essentially takes place between Shyam (Nagarjuna) and Avantika.  It was a great working experience doing the movie.  The shoot was over before I could realize.  

Nagarjuna is a big name in the industry.  How was it working opposite him?

Nagarjuna garu is such a supportive co-star and a secure actor.  His role required him to shed the trappings of typical heroism and he did just that.  As a human being, he is so nice.  He is also so down-to-earth.  There was this situation where he was ready to be with the rest of the unit members even though he could have stayed comfortably near the shooting location in Portugal.

You have been friends with Rahul Ravindran.  What makes him a worthy filmmaker?

I have known Rahul Ravindran since the days of ‘Venkatadri Express’.  He is my Rakhi brother and a very talented director.  He knows what he wants and he ensured that the entire pre-production work was properly done.  He gave me the bound script one month before the film was taken to the floors.  Since he gave the script to all the actors well in advance, we were all confident.  No matter how hard it is on a day, he always stays fresh.  He has the capacity to take everyone on the sets into a mood.  He penned my character so well.  

Ever since the audience saw you smoke in the Avantika Teaser, it has been thought that you have played a pretty bold role in the movie.  Your say?

Something doesn’t become bold just because an actress is seen smoking.  It was not I who was smoking.  Avantika has smoked.  Even Nagarjuna garu’s character is not about making girlfriends.  It’s all a part of the narration.  Avantika is not about just smoking a cigarette.  There is much more to her.

The film is the remake of a French film.  Have you watched the original?

I haven’t watched the French original.  I learned that Rahul and other writers have done quite many changes to the original.  Nativity shouldn’t go missing.

There are reports that you will be doing the Telugu remake of ‘De De Pyar De’.  Is it true?

I am not doing the Telugu remake of ‘De De Pyar De’.  Nobody even approached me for that role.  For that matter, it wouldn’t give me any kick to repeat a role.  That said, I am not against remakes.

Did you ever have reservations about working with seniors like Nag, especially because you might not be cast in youngsters’ movies?

I never see it that way. Just a few months after working with a senior like Ajay Devgn, I got a chance to team up with Siddharth for ‘Indian-2’.  After working with Nagarjuna garu, I am going to be seen opposite Nithiin.