Priyamani: Thrilled to do action in Chandee

Priyamani is riding the success wave of Chennai Express where she shook a leg with Shah Rukh Khan in the item number.

The national award-winning actress juggles her films in different languages effectively.

Priyamani throws light on her forthcoming film Chandee releasing this Firday, November 8.

Was it the script and the strong role you have that made you sign up for Chandee?

Definitely. It is a heroine-oriented film. Generally, heroine-oriented films are associated with the thriller/horror genre. Chandee was a different subject with no horror.

It is purely an action film with some sentiment. The subject was handled differently. I felt it was a nice, revenge-based story to do.

Do you do a strong performance-oriented role in the film?

It’s more about why my character is taking revenge and how she is making a difference. Up to what length can a person go to prove a point?

Is Chandee a period film?

It’s not a period film. It’s a very today’s film. It’s got a real point – a bit about the SEZ (socio-economic zone) thing happening today.

What kind of effort did you put in to play your character? Did you learn horse riding and archery?

Due to lack of time, I could not learn horse riding. I had to perform stunts. I have not done full-fledged action. I learnt to handle the bow and arrow.

The action masters choreographed different stunts and I did them. I should give credit to the action choreographers for making me feel comfortable.

How did you feel doing these stunts?

I am happy. I have never done stunts with a harness before.  It was an amazing, one-of-a-kind experience. After Vijayashanti nobody has done stunts. I was thrilled as I got to fly around, kick and say punchy dialogues!

How was it working with director Samudra?

I had a wonderful time with Samudra who has become a good friend.

He was smiling throughout, stayed cool and calm and that was half the battle won.

He’s open to discussion and inputs and it was a great experience. The producer was co-operative in the project.

How was it acting opposite senior artistes like Krishnam Raju, Sarath Kumar and Ashish Vidyarthi?

I was acting for the first time with Krishnam Raju garu. Because of the Tamil connection I had met Sarath Kumar Sir earlier at the CCL and on social occasions.

Sarath Kumar has a pivotal role in the film. Krishnam Raju garu plays my father. I just watched him act. Since he was experienced, he slipped easily into the role of the zamindar. It was a learning experience.

I have done five films with Ashish Vidyarthi. He is a fantastic actor who finds out the meaning of the dialogues and ensures his lip sync is perfect.

Do you rank this film and role as one of the best in your career?

Definitely it is one of the most challenging roles. Here I did action - something different for me and for the people who see it.

Of late you seem to be getting substantial performance-oriented roles. You did Charulata, now Chandee. Was it a conscious decision to do such films?

These films have come my way. I want to do commercial films and also where I am the eye candy heroine.

Are you happy with the way your career is progressing?

I am very happy and have no complaints.

Are you doing the Telugu film Angulika?

The script of Angulika has changed. I will hear the new script and then decide whether I want to do the film.

I have two films in Malayalam and a Kannada film Ambarisha where I am paired with Darshan – a new pair for the audience.