Anushka Shetty has carved a unique space in Indian cinema as one of the few actresses consistently chosen to headline women-led action films. From Arundhati to Baahubali, and now Ghaati, her name has become synonymous with power-packed roles. In a candid chat with Rana Daggubati, the actress admitted that she herself is unsure why she is always the first choice for such stories. “I don’t know why that is. Even I am thinking of why that is,” she said with a laugh.
‘Can I be the hitwoman?’
Rana also brought up the recurring theme of violence in her films. Responding with her trademark wit, Anushka said, “The amount of violence in my films Arundhati, Baahubali, and now Ghaati, I was just telling Krish that, just like a hitman, can I be the hitwoman?” To this, Rana quipped, “For these kinds of stories, who else would they cast other than you?”
More films on the horizon
While she remains celebrated for her action image, Anushka acknowledged fans’ concerns about her long gaps between projects. She revealed she plans to work more consistently going forward. “I need to do more films. I definitely want to choose good scripts and work a little more often. From next year, you’ll see more of me,” she promised.
Collaboration with Krish Jagarlamudi
With Ghaati, directed by Krish Jagarlamudi, Anushka once again takes on a complex role. Praising her director, she said, “Only he can give me such unique characters. Saroja was handled with such innocence, and it remains one of my best roles. With Ghaati, again, the characters are written very differently. Sheela and the others stand apart in the way they’re projected.”
The upcoming release
Also starring Vikram Prabhu, Chaitanya Rao Madadi, Jagapathi Babu, Raghav Rudra Mulpuru and Jisshu Sengupta, Ghaati will hit theatres on September 5. The film explores a community’s rebellion against the drug mafia and marks Anushka’s much-awaited return to the action genre.
