I have a lot of similarities with Majili's Sravani: Samantha Akkineni

Samantha, who made her debut as a strong-headed Malayali Christian girl in Ye Maya Chesave, has constantly impressed the audience with every film. With last week's Super Deluxe, she has managed to get accolades from all corners for her performance. The actor has paired up with her husband Naga Chaitanya for the first time after their marriage, in Majili. 

About the high expectations surrounding the film, she says "I know the kind of expectations for the film and the pressure to live up to it is not easy to deal with. Initially, I was apprehensive about taking up the role. I wasn't sure if the audience would find the story of falling in love with the same person multiple times believable."

She goes on to explain the bond she shares with Naga Chaitanya. "I am living a peaceful life and can sense the difference in the love we shared, before and after marriage. The script of Majili came to me when I was thinking of the lack of films that talk about the love partners share after marriage. Shiva has made a beautiful film and I can confidently say that Majili will be a milestone in our careers."

The actor says she has a lot of similarities with Sravani, her character in the film. "We are similar on a surface level. Sravani is a mature, strong woman, who doesn't speak much. Majili is not a typical love story and is not a film for those seeking entertainment alone. The magnitude of the success depends on how the audience relates to the three main characters and their emotions." 

Samantha is visibly excited about working with Naga Chaitanya post-marriage. "We travelled together to the location and when the director said 'cut', I no longer rushed to the monitor to see myself after the shots. Seeing Chay perform has become my first priority. It was really tough for me to keep things professional. Occasionally, my enthusiasm did irritate him. We never discuss cinema at home, but the climax of Majili broke our rules. I believe this is Chay's best performance to date.”

When we point out a kissing scene of Chay with Divyansha in the teaser of Majili, Samantha says she is mindful of setting boundaries between real and reel-life. "There is always a fine line between acting and reality. We are happily married and share a great relationship. For me, a hug or kiss is just that when I'm acting and so too for Chay. These things don't really bother us."

About the overwhelming response for Super Deluxe, she says, "I never expected such a roaring success. I wasn't sure of whether I could pull off this character and I was prepared to receive backlashes, abuses and trolls. But my character (Vaembu) has busted all myths in the industry and it has indeed given me the confidence to take more risks."

Samantha, who is awaiting the release of O Baby! Yentha Sakkagunnave, will soon start working on the 96 Telugu remake.