Exclusive interview, Lavanya Tripathi talks about Zee 5's Puli Meka, future projects, and wedding rumors

Lavanya Tripathi is one of the most talented actresses in the south and has been around for over ten years now. With each project of hers, she is trying something new time and again. Lavanya is now making her OTT debut with the Zee5 show Puli Meka which will stream from the 24th of this month. Ahead of the release, she speaks to us about her OTT plunge, cop character, future plans, and rumors about her wedding.

I was waiting for the OTT boom to peak

Even though she was offered so many OTT projects before, Lavanya did not take a plunge as she was busy with films. When asked what changed her mind, Lavanya says "Back of my mind, a few years back, I knew that the OTT boom will peak and was waiting for the right opportunity. Post the lockdown, the OTT boom has zoomed high and some massive projects are being bankrolled in this space. So as the time was right, I took a plunge.

The layered screenplay in Puli Meka attracted me

Lavanya is making her debut with the web series Puli Meka, a crime thriller. When asked what made her choose this subject, she says "Personally, I love thrillers. When Kona Venkat came to me with this script, I loved the layered screenplay and how my character had various twists and turns. The way it was narrated in an engaging manner drew my attention and said yes to it.

I am playing a cop for the first time in my career

Lavanya is quite excited that she is playing a cop for the first time in her career. "I play Kiran Prabha who is very clear in her head. She has a bossy attitude and is brought in to handle this serial killer's case" says adds. When asked about how she about playing this character, Lavanya says "To bring the command a cop needs, it was initially difficult for me. But as days passed on, I started loving the challenge and also did a lot of action which is showcased in a realistic manner".

Aadi Sai Kumar has a very intuiging role in Puli Meka

Young actor, Aadi Saikumar is also making his OTT debut with this show. Lavanya says when she signed the show, Aadi was not on board but he has a very intriguing character which is a first of its kind for him. He plays a forensic expert in the show and has done a fabulous job says Lavanya.

Kona Venkat only talks movies

The show is produced and created by noted writer Kona Venkat. Lavanya says that she learned a lot while working with Kona Venkat. "I had some lovely conversations with Kona garu on the sets. He has a vast experience in filmmaking and only walks and talks about films. His storyline for Puli Meka will thrill everyone" says Lavanya.

I want to break the mold and do stuff that mainstream heroes do

In the last few years, Lavanya has changed gears and is doing varied roles. She played a wacky character in her last film Happy Birthday. "I want to break the mold and do what mainstream heroes do these days, try different projects and attempt content-based films". Adding further, she adds "It is not the number of films in hand but the character which I do in every film. Everyone loved me in Happy Birthday and will be shocked to see me in a new avatar in Puli Meka.

My next will also be a crazy thriller

Lavanya Tripathi is taking one film after the other. Even before the release of Puli Meka, she has wrapped up one more film already. "My next is with People's Media Factory and it will be one more thriller that will present me in yet another new avatar. I am super excited about it" says the gorgeous beauty.

My wedding rumors have stopped affecting me

Time and again, Lavanya has been linked up with a popular hero in Tollywood. When asked about her recent wedding rumors to that star, Lavanya clears the air and says "Such silly rumors have stopped affecting me. I am in a very happy space right now as some interesting projects are coming my way. I want to do unique stuff and showcase my versatility as an actress and the first of its kind will be shown in Puli Meka" ends Lavanya.