Exclusive! Aishwarya Rajesh: I'm a complete extrovert in real life, quite opposite to Farhana's persona

Aishwarya Rajesh is on a roll this year with back-to-back releases, which had her playing different characters in them. Nelson Venkatesan's Farhana, starring her in the titular role, has hit screens today. Its trailer piqued the curiousity of cinephiles, thanks to the suspense-filled plot and unusual characterizations.   

In a chat with OTTplay, the actress talks about the movie, her unique role in it, collaborating with a leading production house, her co-stars and experiences of having worked in a satisfying project.

What was that factor which made you sign Farhana when Nelson narrated its story?

I was really excited when he pitched the idea to me four years ago. I felt that the idea he came up with was quite fascinating. I never came across something like that before. I realized that its story which revolves around its protagonist who works in a call centre would connect with the audience. I play a Muslim girl who has immense respect towards Islam. We explored a lot in terms of locations; we covered the popular, but unexplored spots in Chennai like Ice House and lanes of Triplicane. I could sense that visuals have a lot to contribute to the story.

The film has been bankrolled by Dream Warrior Pictures, a production house which is known for picking engaging scripts. How was it to associate with them?

If they listen to 100 scripts, they might choose only one among them. That speaks volumes about their credibility and quality. It is a production house which picks up sensible scripts; their passion towards good cinema and creative approach are quite known to all. I felt proud and honoured to be part of a project produced by them. I knew I was in good hands and that the project was safe. I was aware of the fact that Farhana would garner good exposure. 

You have been headlining a few female-centric movies in recent times. How is this going to be different in terms of the central character's role?

I'm a complete extrovert in real life; a person full of life and enthusiasm. However, Farhana is quite the opposite, she's reserved and conservative though she could unleash the bolder side of hers depending on the circumstances she's in. The character has many layers to it. It is an intense role and there was so much to do in terms of performance. She shoulders the story from the beginning to the end. I am essaying a character which many actors would want to play. It is likely to join the roles I portrayed in Kanaa and Ka Pae Ranasingam in terms of creating an impact among viewers.

The promo videos hinted at Farhana being a suspense drama though much details weren't let out in terms of its genre. What exactly could the audience expect?  

It is essentially an edge-of-the-seat thriller. But it also deals with emotions and relationships. The bonding between husband and wife, mother and children are depicted beautifully. Moreover, the issues working women undergo in today's times and how society perceives them are also touched upon.

Tell us about your co-stars in the film...

Jithan Ramesh plays my husband and Kitty sir is my father in the film. Aishwarya Dutta and Anumol, too, essays important roles. Selvaraghavan sir has a crucial character in it. 

Farhana is your fourth movie this year after Run Baby Run, The Great Indian Kitchen and Soppana Sundari. How does it feel to have almost a release every month in 2023?

I'm so glad that my films are releasing one after the other this year. Last year, I had only Driver Jamuna, apart from Suzhal which was a web series. Looks like when good things start happening in life, there is no stopping it.