“I truly believe in Subham It has shaped up beautifully” – Samantha, Actress and First-Time Producer
Renowned actress Samantha is making her debut as a producer with the upcoming film Subham, under her production banner, Tralala Moving Pictures. Directed by Praveen Kandregula, the film features music by Clinton Cerejo and a background score by Vivek Sagar. Ahead of the film’s worldwide release on May 9, Samantha spoke candidly with the media about her new journey behind the camera.
Stepping into Production
“As an actress, I’ve experienced the anxiety that comes with a Friday release. But this Friday is different—it’s my first as a producer. I’m incredibly nervous. Only now do I fully understand the pressures producers face. This past week has been full of sleepless nights, with our teams working around the clock on post-production, editing, and sound mixing. My respect for the crew has grown tremendously. Subham has turned out really well, and I have unwavering faith in the story.”
The Shift from Actress to Producer
“I’ve received so much love as an actress over the years, and I’m grateful. But I always had the desire to do more. During a break I took from acting, I had time to reflect. At that point, I wasn’t sure I’d even return to films. That’s when the idea of producing took root. I thought, ‘Even if I can’t act, I can still tell stories.’ With nearly 15 years of industry experience, I felt ready to launch a production house. We started Subham quietly, without much buzz, and wrapped it up in eight months. Now, we’re excited to present it to the world.”
What’s in a Name?
“There’s a story behind the title Subham. The plot revolves around a TV serial, and in traditional Indian soap operas, viewers always wait for the final ‘Subham’ card that signifies the end. That inspired the name. As for my production house, Tralala Moving Pictures—it’s named after a childhood rhyme, ‘Tralala – Brown Girl in the Rain.’ It’s playful and personal.”
Encouraging New Talent
“Director Gautham Menon gave me my first big break when he could have easily chosen a more established actress. I’ll always be grateful for that. Now, as a producer, I want to give newcomers the same opportunity. Actors like Shreya, Shravani, and Shalini in Subham reminded me so much of my early days—their passion and dedication are inspiring.”
A Newfound Respect for Production
“As an actor, I never fully realized the burden a producer carries. Even one scene going off-schedule can result in massive losses—financially and in time. I now understand the value of every minute on set.”
Taking Charge
“I wasn’t originally meant to appear in the film. But for my first production, I didn’t want to call in any favors. So I stepped in to do a cameo myself. I’ll continue promoting Subham for a few more days, but after that, it’s in the audience’s hands.”
Budget & Balance
“We spent exactly what was needed for this film—no excess, no compromise. Every story has its own scale, and we honored that. When audiences watch Subham, they’ll see the care with which it was made.”
Looking Ahead
“Currently, I’m working on a film titled Maa Inti Bangaram, and shooting resumes this June. I also share a great rapport with director Atlee—we might collaborate in the future.”
What Subham Stands For
“Subham is written by Vasanth and it’s more than just a horror or comedy—it’s a social satire. Whether it carries a message or not is something the audience can decide. Most women are deeply connected to TV serials, and this film reflects that space in an engaging way.”
Hands-On with Every Frame
“I’m my own toughest critic. I always know where I’ve faltered. For Subham, I spent a lot of time in the editing room, working to make sure the film flows smoothly from start to finish. We wanted to keep audiences engaged throughout.”
A Heartfelt Venture
“I’ve always followed my heart. I may not be a savvy businesswoman, and I don’t claim to know everything about film production. But I made this film because I genuinely believed in it. I’m confident that Subham will meet the audience’s expectations.”
On Fan Worship
“I was stunned to learn that a fan built a temple in my name. While I deeply appreciate the love, I can’t encourage such acts. I don’t support being worshipped or prayed to—those are things I’m not comfortable with.”
Ready for the Big Day
“We were lucky to get a perfect release date—May 9 falls right in the middle of the summer holidays. It’s a film for the entire family to enjoy. Clinton Cerejo’s music evokes nostalgia, and Vivek Sagar’s background score brings the story alive. I sincerely hope audiences watch Subham in theatres and help make it a success.”
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