Shambhala: A Mystic World stars versatile actor Aadi Saikumar in the lead and is produced by Mahidhar Reddy and Rajasekhar Annabhimoju under the Shining Pictures banner. The film is directed by Ugandhar Muni, with music composed by Sricharan Pakala. Scheduled for a grand release on December 25, every piece of content released so far from Shambhala has impressed audiences. As part of the film’s promotions, heroine Archana Iyer interacted with the media. Here are the highlights from her conversation:
Tell us about your background
I’m a Telugu girl. I’m from Chittoor district, though I completed my education in Bengaluru. Telugu is my mother tongue.
How has the response been for the Shambhala premieres?
The response has been very good. Every premiere show is running houseful. In many places, audiences are genuinely getting scared while watching the film.
Tell us about your character Devi
Audiences are really appreciating my role in Shambhala. Every time I appear on screen, they seem to feel happy. The combination scenes with Aadi are getting a great response. Many directors have already called me to congratulate me.
What was your feeling when the director narrated the story of Shambhala?
I actually said yes even before listening to the complete narration. The screenplay is brilliant. They clearly told me it’s not a role with romantic songs and dance numbers. I’m very happy that such a different role came to me at the very beginning of my career.
Audience taste has changed a lot, hasn’t it?
Yes, audiences are no longer very interested in watching routine films. They come to theatres only if there’s something new and interesting. After COVID, audience preferences have changed a lot. I feel lucky to get such a good film and role.
How is Shambhala going to be?
Within the first five minutes, the audience will be transported into the world of Shambhala. This is the kind of film that must be experienced in a theatre to truly feel the vibe. Visually and in terms of sound, it’s very grand. The film touches all kinds of emotions, and I feel it’s a perfect Christmas watch.
Tell us about your upcoming projects and the kind of roles you want to do.
Right now, I’m working on a fantasy film with People Media Factory. It’s a story set 500 years ago and is being made on a very large scale. I always choose roles I’m comfortable with. If the story demands it, I’m open to romantic scenes too. I want to take on challenging roles and be part of good films with strong stories.
How important has your parents’ support been in your journey?
Without my parents’ support, I wouldn’t be where I am today. My mother and brother are always with me. Their opinion matters a lot in choosing my roles. They constantly support my dreams.
What kind of compliments are you receiving from people who’ve watched the premieres?
Everyone who watched the Shambhala premieres is shocked by my role. After coming out of the theatre, their perspective about me changes completely. Roles like this don’t come often—sometimes they come only once in a lifetime. Getting a film like Shambhala and a character like Devi right at the start of my career feels like pure luck.
Finally, what would you like to say about Shambhala?
Seeing the love the film is receiving makes me very happy. The entire team is thrilled with the premiere response. Shambhala is a film that will truly captivate everyone.
