'Totapuri is a serious topic, sensitively threaded with elements of comedy and love'

Aditi Prabhudeva is one of the most in-demand actors, who is busy with back-to-back projects. However, the actor was offered Totapuri right after her silver screen debut with Suni’s Bazaar. “While making a transition from small screen to films, I was looking to do unconventional roles, and after a long wait, I was offered a good character in Vijaya Prasad directorial,” says Aditi, who is looking forward to watching herself on the silver screen this Friday. “The director had called me for an audition. He did not narrate the story, nor gave a brief about my role. He just wanted me to give a test shoot and check whether I could fit in the character. Fortunately, I got selected and only then I was narrated the story. He then gave me a week to get the hang of playing the role of a Muslim girl," she says.

Aditi calls Totapuri a peculiar subject. “Irrespective of which religion we belong, and the customs we follow and practice, we are just human and it is the humanity that lies within that unites us. The good and bad we do is not decided based on religion; peaceful coexistence is above everything. Though this is a serious topic, it is sensitively threaded with elements of comedy and love, making it a commercial entertainer, underlined with a strong message.”

Vijaya Prasad, who is known for his strength in writing,  has got the right cast for this endeavour. “Actors Jaggesh, Suman Ranganath, Veena Sunder, Dattana can balance between humour and serious scenes, and they are put together for a meaningful film,” says Aditi. What does the title mean to her? “In my opinion, Totapuri is one of my favourite fruits, which has a mix of sweet, sour, and bitter tastes. It is mixed with salt and spice before consumption, and that’s the essence of Vijaya Prasad’s story too. Jaggesh plays a tailor, who is famous for totapuri design. I play a Muslim girl working in a bank, who lives with a big family, and runs a mango business, specialising in Totapuri. It is a catchy title that also adds value to the film,” she says.

Calling Vijaya Prasad an amazing soul, who gives equal treatment to actors and junior artists, Aditi asserts that he is a filmmaker with a good sense of humour, especially with the dialogues, and the characterisations he brings in to his characters. "On the sets, he is very serious and very mature. His films promise quality entertainment and a social message,” she says.

On sharing screen space with Jaggesh, Aditi says, "The director is known for bringing in unconventional combinations, and unique subjects. Working with a senior actor like Jaggesh is a valuable addition to my career.”