'My character in Idddarammayilatho is very glamorous'

Catherine Tresa was noticed for her glamorous role in her debut film Chamak Challo directed by Neelekantha even though the film did not fare well.

She bagged Krishnavami's Paisa after that, opposite Nani. Then Puri Jagannadh cast her in Iddarammayilatho with Allu Arjun and Amala Paul.

In this exclusive interview, Catherine opens up about Iddaramayilatho releasing this Friday, May 31.

How did you feel when Puri Jagannadh asked you to act in his film Iddarammayilatho?

I had screen-tested for him. When he liked my audition, I was happy. He is a fantastic director and it was a dream to be a part of a nice film.

Were you aware of Puri Jagannadh's work?

Of course. I have seen a few like Pokiri, Businessman, Cameraman Gangatho Rambabu, Nenu Naa Rakshasi, Bujjigadu and Golimaar.

Were you aware that it was a two-heroine film?

Puri Sir had narrated the character to me and how it fitted with the rest of the story. That takes precedence. It was a meaty role full of fun and energy.

Is it a glamorous role?

Some of the trailers indicate that I have a glamorous role. It's a glam avatar.

How did you approach the role?

Puri Sir is a fantastic director. Though I had done my homework, he gave me his perspective. So, most of it came from his direction.

Both you and Amala Paul are from Kerala. So you must have bonded well...

Not much. Whatever few scenes were there, were nice and fun. Due to the Kerala connection, there was a lot of conversation but work is work.

How was Arjun as a co-star?

Arjun is a nice co-star. He's full of energy. The best thing about him is he is always talking about the film, the character, and is on his toes all the time. He was very nice and sweet. We had fun filming.

A large part of the film is shot in Spain. Were you part of the shoot there?

Yes. I was in Barcelona.

Besides Barcelona, where else is the film shot?

It was shot in Bangkok and Hyderabad.

How was the experience of working with Puri Jagannadh?

The thing I liked most about Puri Sir is that he was so relaxed on the sets. So everyone else was also relaxed. Since there was no stress, one worked better.

I never saw him lose his cool. He was always smiling and I loved that as it sets the mood for everything.

There's some talk that the film is like the Hindi film Cocktail...

No comment on that. I have no idea.

Do you feature in the songs?

Yes, I am in two songs – one shot abroad and another shot in Hyderabad.

How does it feel to be known for being glamorous? You upped the glam quotient in Chamak Challo...

Thank you for remembering me for that (laughs). That was definitely a glam character.

I'm playing a far more glam character and it is a full-fledged role in Idddarammayilatho. Part of being an actress is being glamorous. For me, it is fun.

In the film Paisa my character can't be called glamorous. It's more performance oriented. Glamour is one side and it is important to be versatile.

So, styling must have been important in enhancing the glamour...

That's part of the approach. You have to take interest. I worked together with the stylist Kumar on the look. I shopped for some of the clothes with him.

Were you disappointed with the way Chamak Challo fared at the box office?

Yes, I was upset and slightly disappointed. But I received great appreciation for my work. That was the silver lining. I loved that.

Have you signed any new Telugu films?

I haven't signed any. I am listening to scripts.