Gulte Chats With Shruti, Eesha, Amala & Saanve For Pitta Kathalu

The trend of anthology films is emerging in Telugu at a faster pace. This concept of showing the collection of different stories mainly focused on social issues and addressing many unspoken troubles is attracting a wide range of audiences. The OTT giant Netflix is making a grand entry into Telugu with an anthology film that explores the darker and deceptive sides of love, with Pitta Kathalu.

Pitta Kathalu is a video collage of four different stories that explore secrets and lies to jealousy and control in the lives of people. With a good number of extremely talented actors being part of it and the proven directors bringing it to us, Pitta Kathalu is something we are waiting to watch right after its premiere on February 19. The trailer is coming out on February 5th.

The teaser of Netflix’s Pitta Kathalu kept us titillated with the visuals and the hints of depth in each frame. The directors Tharun Bhaskar, Nandini Reddy, Sankalp Reddy, and Nag Ashwin directed each one story in this collection of stories about four distinctly bold women. The cast is led by Eesha Rebba, Amala Paul, Manchu Lakshmi, Shruti Haasan, and Saanve Meghana and the supporting actors are Ashima Narwal, Jagapathi Babu, Satya Dev, and Sanjith Hegde.

We at Gulte.com are enthralled and thrilled of having had a conversation with four of the leading ladies from Pitta Kathalu. Shruti Haasan, Amala Paul, Eesha Rebba, and Saanvi Meghana revealed many intriguing facts and experiences they had when making Pitta Kathalu.

Here is the excerpt of the exclusive interview with the four superb women and also watch the interview to know why Netflix’s Pitta Kathalu is not just an anthology and it is much more than that.

Shruti Haasan

How are you feeling to be part of this Netflix Original anthology Pitta Kathalu?

I am very much excited to be part of this project and for doing something very proud to be.

Netflix is also into the making of bold and raw content. How did you feel when approached to be part of an original on Netflix?

True that Netflix also has bold and raw content, but the most important thing is there are freedom and expression in Netflix content. I had watched Mahanati and had been longing to work with Nag Ashwin since then. I believed he will bring something else out of me.

How are you addicted to technology and what role does it play in your life?

We are plugged into social media. We spend hours checking social media and we just have to admit it.

We know your love for music and what role does music play in an anthology like this?

Not just an anthology, but music plays a great role in films too. Music and cinema have a beautiful relationship, particularly in the Indian cinema. Again, not just the background score, but the music is a big part of Indian cinema. For any cinematic experience, music is a big plus point.

How different are you feeling with the anthology experience from a feature film?

Being part of an anthology gives a different mindset and energy to try something different and new things.

Was it shot during the lockdown? How did you manage the shoots and shuttling between Mumbai and here?

It was shot in July during the pandemic time, but with all the covid-19 regulations. I was initially scared but it is one of the best experiences. I drove around 13 hours from Mumbai to be part of this shoot, as the flights were canceled then.

We could see your dedication to the work!

And desperation too (laughs). Wanted to work and the pandemic has shut down everything. The first day of the shoot had rain effects and full wind scenes and it is good to be back to shooting after a long time.

What exactly pulled you into this anthology? The story, Director or the Paycheck?

The paycheck is important but only next to the story and the director. I am not saying that paycheck is not important, but the story is the key and the director as well.

What is your favorite Netflix original?

The Crown is my favorite

Can you reveal anything about your upcoming projects?

No! (laughs off) I was kidding! There are two projects that I can’t really speak about them but you will soon get an update on them. Other than that, I am doing more original music, that I love the most.

Amala Paul

What is your feeling about being associated with a Netflix Original Anthology?

Extremely happy to be part of Netflix’s first Telugu original. It is great to be getting directed by Nandini Reddy, she is very talented.

How is Meera’s character shaped up? How was it to play an abused woman?

Meera’s character shows how women get abused. Not just abuse, but this story of Meera deals with many issues of a married woman who suffers emotionally too. It also shows how well she could come out and show courage when needed. It was an engaging screenplay by Nandini Reddy. She portrayed it very well.

I call Nandini Reddy a ‘Boss’, because she was so powerful on sets, not that she is bossy! She is very emotional and sensitive and the point is that she takes a lot of inspiration from real lives.

With the areas each of these stories are touching, this anthology is definitely going to create a lot of noise.

Tell me about Jagapathi Babu Garu, he is looking so sharp and stylish

Jagapathi Babu Garu is a great actor. The role JB playing is a complete contrast to what he is in real life.

Tell us about your upcoming projects

Almost done with a Bollywood series and an Aha web series is also coming up. Doing two other anthologies in Tamil and also a film is in making.

How is it associating with Netflix?

This is my third Netflix-original. Being a part of an original by Netflix makes me really happy. Netflix is a huge and international platform with a greater reach and content. Really happy to be associated with Netflix.

Eesha Rebba

How is it playing the ‘Pinky’ character?

Playing the role of Pinky is a different experience altogether. Most of the films usually show the men or a hero’s point of view, but this story of Pinky brings out a woman’s point of view.

What do you feel about being a part of the anthology?

In feature films, heroes, songs play a major role other than the story. But in the anthologies, there is a larger scope for more to perform and the characters play it all.

Tell me more about Pinky’s character?

You will be shocked to see how Pinky reacts to situations. It is a character that had to face forced marriage. Sankalp Reddy is a great director.

He did not just show the struggle of Pinky, but also her love and desire. The character surprises all with her reactions and decisions, which are more realistic.

Pinky is not just a strong woman, but also who can go to any extent when she likes a person. It is a great experience to work with a director like Sankalp who directed Ghazi earlier. Very excited to do this challenging role.

How well was it to act along with the other talented actors like Avasarala Srinivas and Satya Dev?

I had the opportunity to act with very good actors like Avasarala Srinivas, Satyadev, and Ashima Narwal. It is a great opportunity in anthologies to act along so many talented actors and it gives us a chance to improvise the characters many a time. When the others act great, we obviously reciprocate with equally good or even better acting. It is nice to have actors around that make us feel competitive while we have a give and take always.

What are your thoughts about Pitta Kathalu’s release on February 19 and the trailer release On February 5th?

I am waiting for all the reactions to the trailer as the teaser has got nothing much to show (laughs).

How is it associating with Netflix?

If it is Netflix and a good director, we can sign in blindly. We excited and happy to be part of this.

What is your favorite Netflix Original?

The Queen’s Gambit is my favorite.

Saanve Meghana

How is it being ‘Ramula’ Of Pitta Kathalu?

It is exciting for any actor to be part of anthologies and a character like ‘Ramula’ in it. I had to speak a different Telangana dialect and it excited me more.

Director Tharun Bhascker is a great director and also the team was so good.

How do you think Anthologies entertain the audience?

People love to see new things like anthologies in Telugu. In this era of people’s love for short films, an anthology is sure to keep audiences glued to their seats.

Tell me about the star cast of your story?

I was awestruck with her Manchu Lakshmi’s beautiful performance. Her role and the stellar performance she gave, I was thrilled to see it. Catching the core Telangana dialect needs a knack and Lakshmi Manchu aced it. She was just brilliant.

Abhay Bethaganti plays the son of an Ex-MLA and each frame that has Abhay makes the audience laugh.

How are you feeling about the Trailer release on Feb 5th and the premiere on Feb 19th?

Simple! I just can’t wait to show it to you all. Being associated with the first Telugu original of Netflix itself is very exciting.