Every Girl Will Connect with Keerthi’s Character in “Itlu Arjun” – Anaswara Rajan
King Nagarjuna presents Itlu Arjun, which marks the Telugu debut of actor Aneesh as a lead hero, with Anaswara Rajan playing the female lead. Mahesh Uppala makes his directorial debut with the film, while director Venky Kudumula turns producer under his newly launched banner, What Next Entertainments.
The promotional content released so far has generated considerable curiosity among audiences. Itlu Arjun is set for a worldwide theatrical release on November 13.
Ahead of the film’s release, heroine Anaswara Rajan interacted with the media and shared her experiences of working on the project.
You reportedly signed Itlu Arjun as your first Telugu film. Tell us about your character, Keerthi.
Itlu Arjun was the first Telugu film I signed, although Champion is releasing first. My character, Keerthi, is very youthful and innocent. I believe every girl will be able to connect with her character. Even when I first heard the story, I felt an instant connection with Keerthi.
I thoroughly enjoyed playing this role. Among all the characters I have portrayed so far, this one is quite different and gave me a completely new experience.
The hero’s character does not have dialogues in the film. How was it working with him?
That was one of the aspects of the story that really attracted me. Such characters are quite rare in films. Aneesh and I attended several workshops and rehearsed our scenes extensively. We spent a lot of time understanding our respective characters and getting the emotional expressions right. I feel both our characters have come out wonderfully.
We hear that the love story in the film is quite unique. What makes it special?
The love story is the central element of Itlu Arjun. Since Arjun cannot speak, the way he expresses his love becomes very interesting. How he communicates his emotions and conveys his feelings to Keerthi is something audiences will find engaging. I am confident that audiences will remember both Arjun and Keerthi long after watching the film.
Tell us about director Mahesh Uppala.
Director Mahesh was one of the main reasons I chose to be part of this film. I really liked his vision and the way he developed the characters of Arjun and Keerthi. He had complete clarity about how Keerthi should be portrayed and what he wanted from the character. I trusted his vision and followed his guidance. We had a very friendly and comfortable working relationship.
How was your experience working with Aneesh?
This is Aneesh’s debut film as a hero, and choosing to play a character who cannot speak in his very first film is a bold and challenging decision. I really appreciate him for taking up such a role. He worked extremely hard for the film and did complete justice to his character.
I am sure audiences will like him. The story is fresh, and his character is something new. Apart from his performance, he has also done a wonderful job with the action sequences and dance. He has put in a lot of effort, and it shows on screen.
How does it feel to have King Nagarjuna presenting the film?
I am extremely happy that Nagarjuna garu is presenting Itlu Arjun. This is the first Telugu film I signed, Aneesh’s debut as a hero, and Venky Kudumula’s first film as a producer. Having a legendary actor like Nagarjuna garu present the film makes the entire experience even more special and memorable for all of us. His association has also given the team additional confidence.
What would you say about producer Venky Kudumula?
Venky garu is a director himself, so he understands every aspect of filmmaking very well. He is a wonderful person and has been extremely supportive throughout the journey. Since this is his first film as a producer, he has been personally involved and has extended great support to the entire team.
How was your experience working with music director Thaman?
Thaman garu is a very cheerful person. Spending time with him is always fun, and he has been very supportive, especially during the promotional activities. All three songs released from the film have received a wonderful response. His music has added tremendous energy to the film. Working with him was truly a wonderful experience.
You are getting opportunities to work in several big Telugu films. How do you feel about it?
I am extremely happy. I am currently part of some exciting Telugu projects, including Chiranjeevi garu’s Kaaka, Ravi Teja garu’s Tulabharam, and another film featuring Sangeeth Shobhan. All these projects have wonderful stories and interesting characters. I feel fortunate to be associated with such good films. My main focus has always been on choosing strong stories and interesting roles.
Sharing screen space with Chiranjeevi garu in Kaaka is particularly special and a matter of great pride for me. He is a wonderful human being and a phenomenal actor. There is so much one can learn from him, both as an actor and as a person.
What kind of experience can audiences expect from Itlu Arjun?
Itlu Arjun has a wonderful mix of emotions. It combines a love story, suspense, thriller elements, action and strong emotional moments. There is something for everyone in the film. I am confident that audiences will enjoy it and connect with the characters.
I sincerely hope everyone watches Itlu Arjun in theatres and makes it a big success. I look forward to celebrating this Diwali with the success of our film.