Catherine Tresa awaits the release of 'Vadaladu', starring Siddharth in the lead, soon. In this interview, catch her talk about her role in the movie, what makes the thriller a unique one, playing distinct roles, what is in store for her in Vijay Deverakonda's 'World Famous Lover' and more.

A well-written character

I play a teacher in the movie. She is not a normal person although she is a girl-next-door. She doesn't have a sense of smell. That's what pulled me towards the script. It's quite different. I come from an upper-middle-class family in the movie. My father's character is played by Naren sir and my character shares a friendly bonding with him. He often urges her to get married but she refuses because she doesn't have a smelling sense. She thinks she can't be a good mother because of his handicap. At the workplace, she is passionate and has a service-oriented mindset. She is a happy character.

Premise of the film

The title is 'Vadaladu' in Telugu but the Tamil title means something that can't be touched, felt or held. The script is based on food adulteration, which is a major issue in India. Profiteering companies resort to adulteration all the time, causing lifestyle diseases. As a character says in the film, 'Cancer is not a disease but a business nowadays'.

Food adulteration is central to film

The film is not like a dreary speech. It's an entertaining, commercial thriller. Within this milieu, it conveys a universal message that everyone can connect with. Everyone eats adulterated food, after all. The issue that the film touches upon is not an elitist one. It's high time we all consumers fight for our right to healthy food. Food safety regulation is abysmal in India and the standards have to improve.

Not a horror-comedy at all

I don't describe it as a pakka horror movie. It's not about scares. It's a U-certified film that you can watch with your children. It's a thriller with action and some supernatural elements. That's just 30 percent of the movie and the horror element adds to the viewer's interest actually.

Sid is superb

Siddharth feels strongly about some issues. He is vocal on Twitter. He is a socially-aware and responsible person. He has played a food safety officer in the movie. He is highly knowledgeable about cinema as he was an assistant director before becoming an actor. He is always involved.

Fight for issues

Whatever we can do, we have to do that in our capacity. None of us should have the attitude of leaving things to others and remaining docile. Food adulteration, environmental issues, etc are pressing ones. Tree-cutting is happening rampantly across the world. The likes of Vijay Deverakonda, too, have spoken out on issues (like water scarcity).

Other highlights of 'Vadaladu'

It's the director's first film. He was a writer before this debut. He is a knowledgeable technician who knows what he wants. His execution is perfect. Thaman's music is another plus and the film has just two songs. We didn't go for more because that would have been a stumbling block. The RR is superb. The tempo is taken to the next level several times in the second half.

Good scripts come first

'Sarrainodu' brought me much fame. More than many other characters in the movie, my character was thoroughly-established in it. I always look for good scripts. I have a strong character in 'World Famous Lover'. Director Kranthi Madhav garu has created a very nice character for me. I will have to shoot for 2 more days for the movie. The production works have come to an end, almost. I can't talk much about that movie now, as it is too early.

I am different in two languages

My dream is to be a versatile actor who dons different kinds of roles. The kind of work I have done in Tamil is totally different from that in Telugu. In Kollywood, my roles are far less glamorous, by and large. A lot of my special roles in films like 'Madras' have given me a lot of satisfaction. They have stayed in the minds of the audience.

Open to digital

I am open to doing web series. I did get an offer for an English-language one but the script was not up to the mark. That's why I didn't accept it. I am learning Telugu and I am a slow speaker as of now.