If an actor is only as good as her last film (as the film industry often believes) Sandhya has nothing to smile about. Last year saw her in ‘Thoondil’ with Shaam and ‘Mahesh Saranya Matrum Palar’ with Shakthi. Both were duds at the box office. But if one chooses to judge the actor by her line-up of films to come, Sandhya could well belong to the big league.
In Kollywood, she has five films this year and is looking forward to repeating the success of her debut ‘Kadhal.’ Topping the list is the role of Gouri in the Kannada film ‘Aaptharakshaka,’ a sequel to ‘Aapthamithra’ (the film which is a re-make of ‘Manichitrathazhu’ was later re-made in Tamil as ‘Chandramukhi’).
“I’m not a dancer in the film as people suspect. I play a researcher.
It is a take-off from where ‘Aapthamithra’ ended. All the characters aren’t the same,’’ says Sandhya.
“I’ve completed more than 60 percent of my work in the film.” Referring to the turns her career has taken over the last five years, Sandhya says that nothing was preplanned.
“I do the roles that come my way. Some go down well, others don’t. It’s never in my hands alone.’’ But things are looking up for the actor in Tamil cinema where her next release will be the long-pending ‘Manjal Veyil’ with Prasanna. ‘‘It is a good script. That I have sung in it makes the film all the more special,’’ she says enthusiastically. The film, directed by Raja, will hit screens next month. “I’ve also completed work for ‘Odi Polama’ with Parimal.
The love story involving two youngsters is directed by Kanmani,’’ she says.
Ask her about the roles that excite her in her forthcoming films and Sandhya says, “The ones in the Tamil films ‘Nootrukku Noor’ and ‘Irumbukottai Murattu Singam.’ The former is a remake of a yesteryear hit and I’m playing the role that Srividya did in the original. The film is about a professor, played by Vinay, who many women adore. I play his student in the movie. The character has many negative shades.” Sandhya plays a guest role in ‘Irumbukottai Murattu Singam.’ The actor says she is eagerly anticipating her one week of shooting for the film. ‘‘It’s not the type of movie that is made all the time. It’s a cowboy film set in a different century altogether. I was so excited about the role offered to me - that of a princess in a forest! I lead a tribe and what happens when we encounter the cowboys is sure to make an interesting watch.”
sharadha@epmltd.com