Director Krish Jagarlamudi talks with Subhash K Jha About his new revenge drama Ghaati and what it was like working with Anushka Shetty again.
Ghaati is a big treat for fans of Anushka Shetty as she hardly does any films these days. How did you convince her? How was the experience of working with her again?
Honestly, I didn’t have to convince Anushka. The story did. And her character in the movie, Sheelavathi did. She connected instantly to the soul of Ghaati and her character Sheelavathi’s journey as a victim, criminal and then a legend. She only chooses roles that push her as an actor, and this was one of them. And working with her again after Vedam was a joy as she brings immense grace and power to the screen, and at the same time, she’s a great human .
Ghaati is important to your career as you haven’t gone into this genre before, what made this project interesting for you?
Ghaati gave me a chance to enter a world I’ve never attempted before Sir. It’s raw, rooted and emotional. The setting of the Eastern Ghats in Andhra Odisha Border, and the Ghatees that line in those Ghats, and their inner rebellion against suppression.. .it all felt like a story that had to be told on a big canvas. For me, it was not just a genre shift, but also a new way of exploring human emotion and survival. That challenge was very exciting.
What according to you are the USPs of Ghaati?
The biggest USPs are the rooted emotions and Anushka’s high octane action oriented performance. It’s a very exciting, emotional and cinematic experience.
How difficult was it for Anushka to do all the stunt sequences?
Some of the action sequences were physically demanding and shot in tough terrains and mountains. But she gave them everything. We made sure safety was top priority, but what impressed me was her commitment… she never looked at it as stunts, she lived through those moments as her character Sheelavathi.
Where do you place Ghaati in your repertoire?
Very high. Because it’s an emotional story told in a larger-than-life way. It combines my love for raw human drama with a strong action and musical canvas.
