Ashika Ranganath to play the heroine in Sriimurali's Madagaja

It seems like 2020 is looking bright for Ashika Ranganath, who has a handful of good projects in the pipeline. The actor, who is doing Suni’s Avatar Purusha starring Sharan, and Pavan Wadeyar’s Raymo featuring Ishan, is now also excited to be a part of Madagaja, directed by Mahesh Kumar of Ayogya fame.

Madagaja will have her paired opposite Sriimurali for the first time. Sharing her happiness about bagging the project, she says, “Certain projects and characters give you a thrill as soon as you get to know the story, the role, and the team you will be working with. And this is one such project, where I felt that way the moment I was approached, and again when I came on board."

Ashika also adds that the fact that she was picked after a big audition, and the director’s wish to experiment with the character of a village belle, excited her. “Of course, add to it the star value that Sriimurali holds, a good production house like Umapathy Films, a director who has had a successful debut and a technically strong team — all in one project — and I feel thrilled,” says Ashika.

Her character in Madagaja is apparently something she has not played before, and she is already anxious about how people will accept her in the new avatar. “The best part is that I get to play a strong role in a star’s film, which is usually not the case. The look and makeover will give a fresh take to the character, as well as my performance,” she concludes.

Director’s take

Mahesh Kumar, the director of Madagaja, says, “I was scouting for a Kannada actor, who could convincingly play the rather atypical village girl, and Ashika Ranganath perfectly fit my visualisation of this raw character. While her role is set against a village backdrop, Sriimurali will be playing a character residing in North India.”

The film's launch is planned for Shivarathri on February 20, and the first schedule will begin soon afterward in Varanasi.