Ritu Varma interview on Mazaka: Working with Rao Ramesh was a high pressure moment

Mazaka is all set to hit the screens on February 26, 2025. Ritu Varma plays the female lead in this comedy caper and shares insights about her role, stepping into an out-and-out commercial film, future projects, a challenging single-take scene in Mazaka, and more. Here is the transcript.

You are known to stay away from commercial potboilers. What made you sign Mazaka?

I am not against commercial films and have done a few in my career. When the writer narrated Mazaka to me, I was blown away. The way my character was written, especially her emotional journey, was very compelling. Every character in the film plays an important role in its way, and the comedy is hilarious. I kept laughing throughout the narration, and there was no way I could say no to the film.

Can you tell us about your role in Mazaka?

I play a college-going girl who has faced several challenges since childhood. The story revolves around how she overcomes these struggles, falls in love with Sundeep Kishan's character, and the problems they face due to his father. Director Trinadha Rao has given my character a fresh dimension, and I hope the audience appreciates it.

Any special moments while working on the film?

Every day felt like a picnic. There were so many scenes with the ensemble cast, making the shoot an enjoyable experience. One particular scene was a long single take, which I had to perform without any cuts. It was a high-pressure moment, especially with a seasoned actor like Rao Ramesh watching. After dubbing, Rao Ramesh Garu personally called me and said he loved my performance. That was one of the best compliments I’ve received in a long time.

What was it like working with Sundeep Kishan?

Sundeep is a livewire on set and a very supportive co-star. This is our first time pairing up, and our on-screen chemistry is quite striking. His character is hilarious, and the struggles he faces with his father form the film’s core, presented entertainingly.

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Are you confident that commercial fun films still work at the box office?

Absolutely! Commercial cinema will never go out of style. What matters is how the story is told. Many Telugu films follow routine storylines but succeed because they are narrated engagingly. Mazaka falls into that category—it blends strong emotions with humor, making it a breezy family entertainer.

You’ve been in the industry for a while. Are you satisfied with your career so far?

Yes, I am. It has been quite a journey since my debut in Pelli Choopulu. Over the years, I’ve built a certain image for myself, choosing films based on their content rather than chasing fame or money. I’m now open to bigger projects and roles that reach a wider audience. Mazaka is one such film, and I’m excited to see how viewers receive me in this new avatar.

What are your future projects?

I have already completed shooting for a web series on Hotstar, which will be released soon. I’ve also signed a multi-starrer in Telugu, with details to be announced shortly. I’m keen on doing female-oriented films, and I would love to take on a cop drama. This is the perfect time for such projects, as there is a strong audience for them. For now, my focus is on Mazaka, and I’m eager to see how the audience responds to my role.

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