“Kaantha will captivate everyone,” says heroine Bhagyashri Borse
Dulquer Salmaan’s highly anticipated period drama Kaantha, directed by Selva Mani Selvaraj, is gearing up for release. The film features Rana Daggubati and Samuthirakani in key roles, while Bhagyashri Borse plays the female lead. Presented jointly by Dulquer Salmaan’s Wayfarer Films Private Limited and Rana Daggubati’s Spirit Media, the movie has already generated huge buzz with its teaser, trailer, and songs receiving tremendous response. The film is set for a grand release on November 14. On this occasion, Bhagyashri Borse shared her experiences and insights about the film.
How is your character in Kaantha? What was your reaction when you first heard the story?
Kaantha is extremely special to me. Kumari is a role with immense scope for performance, and I felt truly excited when I heard it. Sharing screen space with Dulquer sir and Rana sir made it even more memorable.
As a newcomer, getting such a layered character is pure luck. I saw it as a challenge and prepared extensively. Since the film is set in the 1960s, recreating that era was tough. I watched old Telugu and Tamil classics, observed performances of legends like Sridevi garu and Savitri garu, and used them as inspiration to shape Kumari in my own way. My director supported me completely, and I’m proud of how the character has turned out.
Is this the first film you signed?
Yes, Kaantha was the first story I heard and signed. However, due to certain delays, shooting started later, and in the meantime, I worked on two other films. But technically, Kaantha is my first signed project.
How was the shooting experience?
The entire shoot was filled with positivity. Everyone worked like friends. I heard the story back in 2023, so this journey has been quite long and special. As a newcomer, getting a pure performance-driven role like this is very rare, and the experience was truly enriching.
How was it working with Rana Daggubati?
Rana sir is extremely passionate about cinema. He talks only about films and puts his heart into every aspect of the project. I learned so much from him—he’s a phenomenal performer and a great mentor on set.
Tell us about director Selva Mani Selvaraj.
Selva sir is incredibly talented and a wonderful human being. His goodness reflects in his writing. The way he wrote the character of Kumari surprised and inspired me. He brings out the best in his actors, and I’m grateful for the guidance he gave me.
You’ve worked with Ravi Teja, Vijay Deverakonda, and now Dulquer Salmaan. How does it feel?
It feels amazing to work with such big stars so early in my career. Every one of them has been extremely kind, supportive, and encouraging.
With Kaantha and Andhra King releasing back-to-back, how are you feeling?
I’m excited and nervous at the same time. I’ve given my 100% and truly believe both films will deliver great results.
What are you expecting as an actor from Kaantha?
Until now, people have seen me as a commercial performer. But with this film, I hope audiences recognize me as a strong performer too. Kaantha gave me the space to truly act.
Your thoughts on the producers?
Both Rana sir and Dulquer sir are not just brilliant actors—they are passionate producers. They are committed to bringing meaningful stories to the audience. Their passion reflects in every frame, and the production quality of Kaantha is top-notch.
How is the music going to be?
There’s a dance number in the film that I absolutely love. Overall, the music has a very strong presence in Kaantha and beautifully elevates the storytelling.
Your favorite genres?
I enjoy all genres—action, romance, drama. I want to explore all kinds of roles and challenge myself as an artist.
With Kaantha, you’re also entering Tamil cinema. Will you continue there too?
For an artist, language is never a barrier. If good scripts come my way, I will definitely do them. But my first preference will always be Telugu cinema.
Upcoming projects?
I have films lined up in both Telugu and Hindi. The makers will announce them officially soon.
Kaantha and Andhra King both involve films within films. How different are your characters?
They are completely different worlds. Kaantha features a film within a film, while Andhra King is a fan-based biopic. Kumari from Kaantha and Mahalaxmi from Andhra King are poles apart. Both films are unique in their own way, and I’m confident audiences will love them.
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