Actor Sshivada, who shot to fame after her impressive performance as Manga in Nedunchalai (2014), is back with a bang. She plays the female lead in Zero, an upcoming supernatural romantic thriller directed by Shiv Mohaa. The film, which features Ashwin Kakumanu in the lead along with Sshivada and J D Chakravarthy, has caught the attention of film buffs and industry pundits. Following are excerpts from the chat with Sshivada...
What made you pick this film?
The title of this film got me curious; it was one of the main reasons I chose this role. They gave me the script and after reading it, the first question I asked was, ‘Are they making this film in Tamil?’ Because the script seemed like it belonged in Hollywood. I can confidently say that if this story ever came out as a book or novel, it would be a bestseller because there is so much detailing in it. The script is the hero of this film.
Tell us about your role in the film.
I play Priya, a homemaker. She designs everything in that home and so, it has a little bit of her in everything. The film is a supernatural romantic thriller. It is based on the theme that if there is unconditional love, nothing can break it. I was a little tense while portraying this character after playing the role of Manga in Nedunchalai because everybody had begun typecasting me as a village girl. So, I was unsure how I would be able to break that impression through this role. But I think the director and the team have helped me pull it off.
How is it that you speak Tamil so fluently?
I was born in Tiruchy and studied in Chennai till Class 5. Although I did my graduation at a college in Kerala, I am closely associated with Chennai as my dad worked here. I used to come here often and watch Tamil movies regularly. I have learnt to read Tamil. I only have to learn to write the language. In fact, I will be dubbing in my own voice for this film.
After Nedunchalai, you haven’t been seen in too many films after that. Why?
It is not that I haven’t been acting — I did a movie in Malayalam with Jayasurya, which was a hit in Kerala. It’s just that they (my films) are getting delayed. After Nedunchalai, I began working on Zero. But even if it gets delayed, I am happy that my characters and performances are getting noticed and reaching the masses. I’m sure that the character I play in this film too will make an impact.
Heroines usually quit after marriage. However, you seem different...
My husband Murali Krishnan is an actor in Malayalam (films) and he is also a businessman. He is one of the people who inspired me to enter this industry. I don’t believe everything comes to an end with marriage. I entered the film industry because of my passion for films. I don’t know if I will act throughout my life, but I know for sure that I will be associated with cinema.
Tell us about your other movies.
I am doing two movies in Malayalam and one in Tamil. I am shuttling between Kerala and Chennai. Apart from these, I am going to start work on three other films. Besides, I am also doing a course in dance.