Nishabdham is all set for a big release on the 2nd of October on Amazon Prime. On this occasion, we caught up with star heroine Anushka for a detailed interview. Here is the transcript.
Why do you take such long gaps between your films?
The breaks are not planned but the one I took after Bhaagmathie. I was exhausted and desperately wanted a break from films. That is the reason, there was a delay in my releases. Also, in this same break, I heard the story of Nishabdham and decided to do it.
What attracted you to Nishabdham?
I liked the way Hemanth narrated the script to me. It was quite new and I bought his vision completely and decided to do the film. My role as a mute girl, other key characters, a wide reach of the subject, Nishabdham had everything.
How did you prepare for the role of a mute girl?
I had to learn sign language first and understood how mute girls behave in the first place. Then, the sign language shifted to a different angle as the story happens in the US, and for all this, I took two months of training and it was a great experience.
What was the most thrilling part while shooting this film?
Shooting in the US and that too with an actor like Madhavan was quite thrilling. I am working with Maddy after 13 years and it was such a great experience just spending time with him on the sets. Then, I interacted a lot with Hollywood actor Michel Maddsen and a lovely cultural exchange happened on the set of the film.
What is the whole mute girl concept in this film?
Like any other girl, my character is of a mute girl. Firstly, it was not that hard to play it as the film does not have hyper action of shouting on top of the roofs and getting all crazy. It is a simple story and the characters and their deeds narrate the story. The film is not about the mute girl and how she survives things as it is just a character trait of the girl.
Are you upset about the film’s OTT release?
In a way yes. I am the person who completely loves the experience of watching films on the big screen. I enjoy the whole process of going to a theatre. But OTT release is also not bad as the reach is big and the producer also should be safe in such a crunch time, so I do not have any complaints.
All your films are always banking on your name. How do you feel?
It feels good but filmmaking is not a one-man show and is collective teamwork. Coming to Nishabdham, I am only playing a character and there are many other actors who have solid roles and need to watch out in the film.
What did you do during the lockdown?
Firstly, I got a lot of time for myself which I was missing for a long time. I watched a lot of movies and also read a lot of scripts. I also signed two films which will be announced soon.
How do you look back on your journey?
From Super to Nishabdham, I have come a long way and have been extremely lucky to have worked with the right people. From Arundhati, things changed for me and my journey is not complete without the support of my fans, directors, and producers who trusted in me first.
