“I read books on Buddhism and learned about black magic for Agadha” – Kamakshi Bhaskarla
“I was happy that a senior producer like Shyam Prasad Reddy compared me with Anushka” – Kamakshi Bhaskarla
Everyone is familiar with Kamakshi Bhaskarla’s choice of films and stories, as well as the success she has been achieving. Known for taking up content-driven projects, Kamakshi Bhaskarla is now gearing up for the release of Agadha, which is set to hit the screens tomorrow (August 14).
The film is produced by Kashi Visalakshi Balusu under the Sri Adi Varaha Productions banner, presented by Ajay KR, and directed by M.S. Raju. Alongside Kamakshi Bhaskarla, the film features Shravan Reddy, Ulka Gupta, Jovika Vijaykumar, Bhanu Chander, Shiju, Vanitha Vijayakumar, Roshan Basheer, Shreya Rani Reddy, Viva Raghava, Robert Master, Arna Muller and Kanakavva in key roles.
Ahead of the film’s release on Friday, Kamakshi Bhaskarla interacted with the media. Here are some highlights from her conversation.
Shyam Prasad Reddy compared you with Anushka. How do you feel about it?
I felt very happy that such a senior producer compared me with Anushka. Being compared to Anushka garu by someone like him makes me feel even more responsible (laughs).
Tell us about the costumes in Agadha.
Everything in Agadha can be attributed to Raju garu’s vision. He wanted everything to look different from the very beginning. I initially found it a little difficult to carry myself in that kind of saree.
Tell us about the action sequences in Agadha.
We conducted workshops and rehearsals well in advance for the action sequences in Agadha. Of course, minor difficulties on set are natural. But the entire team worked together very hard, and that helped us achieve a great output.
What were the challenges you faced during your journey with Agadha?
It took me some time to transform myself for the role of Mahadevi. I had to put Kamakshi aside and even set aside my own principles to completely adapt myself to the character, and that was challenging.
Mahadevi is a character that is born out of divine grace. I read books on Buddhism and learned about black magic. I studied every mudra and understood the character’s mannerisms and behaviour before portraying her. I took great care to ensure that Kamakshi should not be visible anywhere in the film.
How did you feel when you received a call from M.S. Raju garu?
I really like M.S. Raju garu’s films. Among his movies, Manasantha Nuvve is an all-time favourite of mine. So, when he called me for Agadha, I was extremely happy. He told me that he had watched my film Polimera. Every artist in his films comes across as very powerful, and I really admire that quality.
You became emotional while recalling your nine-year journey when talking about female-centric films. Why did you get so emotional?
When a male actor does a film, we don’t call it a male-centric film. But when a female actor does one, it is immediately labelled a female-centric film. Women at home handle multiple responsibilities and multitask all the time. I used to wonder why female characters on screen shouldn’t also be independent.
Since 2019, I have been waiting for the right opportunity. I gave countless auditions even for small roles. I worked extremely hard to get opportunities in films. Even today, I don’t own a car. I still come on my bike. Now people recognise me on the roads and even follow me (laughs). Even the vehicles provided by the production team feel new to me. We come from a middle-class family, so owning a car is a big thing for us (laughs).
Can you tell us about some of the bitter experiences you faced during this journey?
There were instances where people openly said, “She acted alongside Satyam Rajesh? Then no, we don’t want her.” People here even judge you based on whom you have acted alongside. I think that is completely wrong.
Do you consider films like Polimera and Agadha coming your way a plus or a minus?
Even if the genres are repeated, the characters I play are always different. I want to establish the confidence that Kamakshi can carry a film on her shoulders and take it forward.
We do some films for money, while we do others for our own satisfaction. I don’t look at opportunities as small or big. I choose roles based on whether I like the character.
I have already signed my next film, which is a love story. I want to break the perception that I am suited only for films like Polimera and Agadha.
Why aren’t you choosing glamorous roles?
I don’t like playing the same kind of roles repeatedly. More importantly, I want to portray characters that represent the women in our homes. When my family members watch me on screen, I want them to feel, “Hey, she looks just like me.”
As a Telugu girl, if I don’t represent Telugu women on screen, then who will? That is why I prefer portraying ordinary women rather than glamorous or queen-like characters.
What aspects of Agadha made you accept the film?
When Raju garu called me, I immediately understood that the film must have a new concept and an important role. And since it was Raju garu, I immediately said yes.
Once he narrated the story of Agadha and explained my character, I liked it even more. I never worry about success or failure. I enjoy the process. I also accepted the film because I wanted the experience of working with Raju garu.
Tell us about the horror and thrilling moments in Agadha.
There aren’t too many outright horror moments in Agadha. It is more of a thrilling experience. There are several divine moments in the film. By the end, everyone will be left with a divine feeling.
What can you say about the other artistes?
Everyone on our set was a wonderful artiste, and all of them have tremendous experience. It was a pleasure working with Bhanu Chander garu, Shiju garu and everyone else. I learned something new every day on the sets.
Tell us about the technical team.
Nani Chamidisetty garu’s camera work has come out wonderfully. He experimented with several things for this movie and brought Raju garu’s vision to life.
The DI work is also fantastic. Rajeev garu’s art work, the sets he designed and the Goddess idol look magical on screen. No matter how much I say about the RR, it won’t be enough. Some scenes have gone to the next level because of the background score.
Have you put your medical profession on hold?
Yes, I have taken a break from it for now. I want to be here in the film industry rather than being there. I want to represent ordinary women like me and bring their stories and lives to the screen.
Do you have plans to direct in the future?
I have worked as an assistant director, associate director and also as part of writing teams. I do have an interest in directing. But not right now. It will take quite some time before I take that step.
How confident are you about the success of Agadha?
I strongly believe that Agadha will definitely be successful. For Raju garu, and especially for his comeback, I want this film to become a blockbuster hit.
I have already watched the film, and I was surprised by several scenes. A scene that felt normal on the sets looked absolutely amazing on screen. I was in tears during several portions of the film. Personally, I felt extremely happy after watching the movie.
