‘I am happy to do socially conscious films’: Actor Shruti Reddy

Actor Shruti Reddy, best known for the 2019 film Marina Puratchi, is back with another socially relevant film. Titled Visaranai Kaithi, it is a courtroom drama featuring Natty in the lead.

Directed by R Jaya Prakash, Visaranai Kaithi revolves around the mysterious death of politicians. Shruti plays Thilagavathi, a defence lawyer, who appears for a wrongly convicted man played by Natty.

“My earlier film Marina Puratchi was centred around the Jallikattu marina protests and now Visaranai Kaithi touches upon the mysterious death of a political leader. In some way or the other, I have always been pulled towards films with a social message. I am happy to do socially conscious and politically relevant films,” she says.

Talking about becoming Thilagavathi for Visaranai Kaithi, Shruti says, “She is a bold woman and a fierce lawyer who comes from a rural background. She has to adequately represent her humble background while also being courageous enough to stand against injustice.” According to the actor, since the film takes place majorly around Thoothukudi, the environment also played a part in shaping the character.

“I did my research by talking to people from around the region and I have started to pick up on the dialect. Even though I just started learning Thoothukudi Tamil, I want to dub for myself and I am working hard towards it.”

Shruti, who has trained under Anupam Kher in Mumbai, has also worked with the Puducherry-based theatre group Adishakti Laboratory for Theatre Art Research. “I first appeared in a minor role in Jai Hind 2 when I was fifteen but since I was too young then, I was hesitant to fully immerse myself into the film industry. I then took my time to learn acting and now I think I’m ready to tackle bigger roles.”

Opening up about her upcoming projects, Shruti is particularly excited about a yet-to-be-titled film with Annanukku Jai director Rajkumar. “Details about the film cannot be revealed yet but I am excited to star in the comedy-drama. This genre is something I have been wanting to do for a long time,” she says.

Visaranai Kathi is expected to go on floors by the end of May, and the film has director Prabhu Solomon starring in a pivotal role. “Prabhu Solomon sir plays a lawyer in the film. I am glad to share screen space with a mature performer like Natty sir and an acclaimed filmmaker like Prabhu sir,” she signs off with excitement.