Anupama Parameswaran: Karthikeya 2’s success fills me with renewed enthusiasm to do better

Anupama Parameswaran, who shot to fame with films like Shatamanam Bhavati, A..Aa and Premam in Telugu cinema, got a renewed boost to her career with the success of the mystical adventure Karthikeya 2. The film, written and directed by Chandoo Mondeti, had her pair alongside Nikhil Siddhartha for the first time in her career. Anupama is cast in the role of Mugdha in the film.

“I’m thrilled to know that audiences are liking Mugdha in Karthikeya 2. The film’s success has given me new enthusiasm and I experience great satisfaction when people say they’re enjoying it. I really liked the narration that Chandoo (Mondeti) gave and it convinced me to say yes immediately. Regardless of big or small films, I always believe in the story first,” she says.

The idea of a plot based on Lord Krishna appealed to her. “I gave up a few offers to work in Karthikeya 2. Shooting in many different locations was a challenge, especially amidst the snow.” Many have liked her ‘James Bond’-like introduction sequence in the film. “Some have even told me that I overshadowed Nikhil in many scenes; that isn’t true though. I just did what was necessary for the story.”

The actress hasn’t had a conversation with the Karthikeya team about her role in the third instalment. She’s grateful for the reception to the film in multiple languages. “The entire world is now looking upto Telugu cinema. It was all possible due to RRR, KGF and Pushpa. Our industry has become one and we’re now referring to all films as ‘Indian’”

Anupama asserts that she didn’t take up Rowdy Boys (which released during Sankranti) to showcase her glamorous avatar. “The glam avatar or the intimate scenes - I just stuck to the needs of the film.” She believes in signing ‘hatke’ films that challenge her to do better. “I want to do films in as many languages as possible. That only helps the director and producer of my upcoming projects.”

Discussing her idea of freedom, commemorating 75 years of Independence, the Premam girl states, “I believe equality is the need of the hour - that’s the true idea behind women empowerment. However, I don’t like to keep discussing about women not getting their due; this only reminds us about our reality all the more. We’re no less than anyone, that’s all we’re trying to say.”

Holding an Indian flag while driving her Scooty is the first memory that comes to Anupama’s mind while thinking of August 15. She has multiple releases in the coming months - 18 Pages alongside Nikhil, Mareechika directed by Satish Kasetty, the direct-to-OTT release Butterfly, to name a few. “We have a week to go before we complete the shoot of 18 Pages,” she signs off.