Ritu Varma: Tuck Jagadish will be my career-defining film

Ritu Varma shot to the limelight with Prema Ishq Kaadhal (2013), but it was with Pelli Choopulu (2016) that she won the hearts of the viewers. The Hyderabadi girl, who will soon be seen in Tuck Jagadish, a rural family entertainer, also starring Nani, is confident of the film becoming the biggest blockbuster. For the first time, she plays a small-town girl in the Shiva Nirvana directorial.

"Tuck Jagadish is an out-and-out commercial entertainer. I play Gummadi Varalakshmi, a small-town girl, who works as a village revenue officer. She is confident, chilled out and stands up for what she believes in. I never played such a role and it was very refreshing," begins Ritu.

The 31-year-old actor is disappointed over Tuck Jagadish not having a theatrical release. "Frankly, I am quite disappointed as every actor wants to see their film in the theatres. I had pinned a lot of hopes on the film. With a lot of uncertainty around, I believe, our producers took the OTT route. In a way, the OTT release looks safe at the moment and it will have a wider reach. I am happy that many people will get to see our work," she explains.

Ask her if she is short of good roles in Telugu? "Post Pelli Choopulu, I haven't got many good scripts. I got a couple of offers, but nothing excited me. I am in no hurry to sign more films and I am choosing work at my ease. With several exciting films in the lineup, I can't wait to show my audience what is in store," shares Ritu.

About reuniting with Nani (with whom she worked in Yevade Subramanyam), Ritu shares that a lot has changed in the five-year span. "I made a brief appearance in Yevade Subramanyam and despite sharing screen space, I did not get an opportunity to speak with Nani a lot. We have got along well now. He is a self-made star, down-to-earth and humble. I think he is the same person he was five years ago. I like his choice of films and the way they touch upon various issues in life," explains the Keshava actor.

On working with director Shiva Nirvana, Ritu says, "He is a sensible director, his previous works are an example for that. He does not like over-the-top or overly dramatic scenes. He asks his actors to perform naturally. His films are entertaining and he is good at handling sensitive subjects that depict strong emotions. He has extracted the best out of each and every actor associated with Tuck Jagadish."

Speaking about her expectations from the film, Ritu says, "Undoubtedly, this is the biggest film of my career and I believe that Tuck Jagadish will become my career-defining film."

Ritu says she has no inhibitions playing glamour roles. "I am open to doing any meaningful role that comes my way. Being an actor, I am here to play all kinds of characters that tap my potential," avers Ritu.

Up next, Ritu will be seen in Varudu Kavalenu, Sharwanand's Telugu-Tamil bilingual Oke Oka Jeevitham and Vikram's long-delayed film, Dhruva Natchathiram (Tamil). "I am also in talks for an anthology web series for Amazon," signs off Ritu Varma.