Shanvi srivastavas’s journey in Kannada cinema kicked off with her debut in Chandralekha, and it was followed by the success of Masterpiece with Yash, Tarak featuring Darshan, Mufti with Sriimurali, the Ganesh-led Sundaranga Jaana, and Rakshit Shetty’s Avane Srimannarayana (ASN).
Subsequently, the actor took a break, except for a role in Dinesh Baboo’s Kasturi Mahal, a project she admits she took on to satisfy her acting cravings during the pandemic. After nearly two years, Shanvi makes her comeback with Baang, set to release this week.
“Post ASN, I didn’t want to be called ‘choosy’. But I’ve always been selective throughout my career. Unfortunately, the arrival of Covid-19 after ASN caused a significant gap of three years. The long absence deeply resonated with the audience. From Chandralekha (2014) to ASN(2019), spanning eight years with just one film per year, I emphasised my discerning approach. For me to take up a film, it needs to ignite a passionate fire within me. However, I’ve also been part of a project that didn’t evoke that passion, but those mistakes helped me learn. What’s the point of filmmaking if it doesn’t resonate with the audience? Committing to a project without genuine enthusiasm holds no value,” reveals Shanvi. Speaking about her return with Baang, she says it is a modest production that brings together a fresh cast and embraces an entirely experimental approach.
In a notable departure, Shanvi debuts as a gangster in a dark crime comedy. Explaining what drew her to this role, she shares, “The script carries a unique quirkiness, a path I never imagined treading. Director Ganesh Sree Parashuram’s unwavering belief in my ability to embody the character was both rewarding and challenging. The director’s confidence created a blend of satisfaction and pressure. The portrayal diverges from the typical gangster archetype, presenting a diva entangled in the criminal world. The entire project energised me. It took a month to make this decision.”
Shanvi, who diligently honed her skills for the film’s intense combat sequences. “I delved into horse riding and fully immersed myself in learning martial arts and swordsmanship. This proficiency will undoubtedly enrich my future cinematic endeavours,” she asserts, adding, “After viewing the film multiple times, I realised that the perceived intensity by viewers differs from the challenges we faced during filming. The process was undoubtedly physically demanding.”
Shanvi argues that gangster cinema holds an enigmatic allure, blending the surreal with reality. “This genre bridges the gap between the unfamiliar underworld and our everyday lives. A vast majority, a staggering 95 per cent of people remain unacquainted with this gangster beyond what they’ve heard or read. Engaging with a gangster narrative thus introduces an element of fantasy that deeply captivates.” Aside from Shanvi Srivastava, the cast includes music directors Raghu Dixit and Ritvik Muralidhar foraying into acting.
“With Baang, a transformative change is evident, one that welcomes the inclusion of budding talents,” says Shanvi, adding, “I am open to compelling scripts; here the director’s persuasion plays a pivotal role.”
While Shanvi eagerly anticipates her involvement in esteemed Kannada productions, the actor, having explored Telugu, Malayalam, and a Marathi film, Raanti— a remake of Ugramm —nurtures aspirations of entering Tamil cinema. “The prospect of Tamil cinema awaits, a chapter I eagerly anticipate. Despite numerous offers, none have materialised as of yet.” she signs off.