“Thammudu Delivers Mind-Blowing Action and Stunning Visuals” – Varsha Bollamma
After the massive success of Sankranthiki Vasthunnam, the prestigious Sri Venkateswara Creations is back with another big theatrical release – Thammudu. Produced by Dil Raju and Sirish, and directed by Sriram Venu, the film stars Nithiin alongside Laya, Varsha Bollamma, and Sapthami Gowda in prominent roles. With the film set for a global release on July 4th, actress Varsha Bollamma shares her experience and insights about the film.
“I had previously worked with SVC on Jaanu. When I was called for Thammudu, I auditioned and was selected immediately after a look test. Director Sriram Venu informed me that part of the shoot would take place in dense forests and asked if I was okay with it. I took it as a challenge — and that’s how I landed the role of Chitra.”
Speaking about her character, she says, “Chitra is the emotional anchor in Jay’s (played by Nithiin) journey. She supports him unconditionally, and their bond is portrayed with great depth. For this role, I trained in martial arts, which was a long-time dream of mine. Chitra is bold and action-driven — quite different from who I am in real life. That contrast made playing her even more special.”
On the film’s title, she remarks, “Thammudu is the perfect name for this story. We’re also happy it shares a title with a Pawan Kalyan blockbuster, which adds a nostalgic value. My role carries strong emotional weight and this is definitely the most physically intense film I’ve done since Bigil. Veteran actress Laya plays a major role too. Her career journey, taking a break and now returning to cinema, is incredibly inspiring. She used to share her life experiences with us on set.”
Talking about the shoot experience, Varsha adds, “We could’ve filmed the forest scenes in a studio, but we chose the real location — Maredumilli forest. It was raw and wild. During the monsoons, we’d encounter snakes and scorpions. Some night scenes were shot using only torches. There were elders and children on set who braved the same harsh conditions. Laya garu came all the way from the U.S. and shot barefoot despite being used to comfort. Someone would get hurt almost daily, but the team’s energy remained high. Thankfully, my character wore shoes!”
Reflecting on her association with the banner, she says, “Working with SVC again feels like coming home. Back during Jaanu, I was new to the industry, yet they treated me with great respect — and still do. I’ve done several lead roles since then, but I never believe in drawing lines between lead and character roles. If people say, ‘Varsha performed well,’ that’s all I want. When I heard Thammudu’s story, I found it refreshing and challenging — and that’s why I said yes. Nithya Menen is a great example of a strong performer with a solid reputation. I hope to earn that kind of respect too.”
Speaking about her co-star, she shares, “People think Nithiin is quiet, but he’s actually very fun! Since we were shooting in the forest with no network or distractions, we had a lot of conversations and laughter. He respects everyone equally, regardless of their seniority. I’d constantly tease him with jokes. I’m someone who likes to improvise on the spot, and I do it often, especially in scenes. But Sriram Venu sir is very particular — he wanted every dialogue delivered exactly as written. That was new for me because in films like Middle Class Melodies, we were encouraged to improvise — but it suited that genre.”
About the film’s emotional and cinematic depth, Varsha concludes, “Though the core of Thammudu is based on the bond between a brother and sister, it carries many emotional layers. My character also features in intense action sequences — and let me tell you, the action is mind-blowing! This is one of those films that you have to experience in a theatre. The visuals, sound, and emotions — everything is designed for the big screen.”
Sharing a glimpse of her upcoming projects, she says, “Right now, I’m working on a web series titled Constable Kanakam, and there’s another series in the pipeline. I’ve also signed two feature films — I’ll reveal details soon. One dream role I have is to play a psycho killer. People might find it strange, but in crime thrillers, the most unpredictable characters are often the most fascinating. If I get that chance, I’ll grab it with both hands.”
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