Natural Star Nani's highly anticipated crime action thriller, HIT: The 3rd Case, features Srinidhi Shetty as the female lead. Directed by Dr. Sailesh Kolanu and produced by Prashanti Tipirneni under Wall Poster Cinema and Nani's Unanimous Productions, the film has already created significant buzz nationwide with its teaser, trailer, and songs. HIT: The 3rd Case is set for a Pan India release on May 1st. In a recent press meet, Srinidhi Shetty shared exciting details about the film.
Could you tell us about your character in this movie?
-In this film, I play the character of Mrudula. You've already seen Arjun Sarkaar's character in the teaser and trailer – it's intense and filled with violence, but also has many other layers. Mrudula is a very different character from Arjun Sarkaar. He doesn't care about anyone else's words except for Mrudula's. She's an independent character with several layers, making her very interesting. You'll have to watch the movie to fully understand her.
What is the importance of your role in the story?
-Usually, in investigative crime thrillers, the female lead doesn't have much prominence. However, director Shailesh Kolanu is a brilliant writer. If you observe the HIT and HIT 2 movies, the importance of the female lead's characterization has significantly increased with each film. The heroine's character is well-integrated into the story. In HIT 3 as well, the heroine's character has been elevated even further. She has a very strong connection to the story, and you'll realize just how important she is while watching the movie.
How was your experience working with Nani?
-I've watched all of Nani's films. He's a natural performer and very grounded. Working with him was a wonderful experience. He made me feel very comfortable, and when you have that comfort zone, your performance also comes out beautifully.
We heard you dubbed for your own character in this film?
-Yes, I really enjoyed dubbing for my character myself. Initially, a dubbing artist had dubbed for my role. However, I requested the director to let me dub. I did the dubbing, and the director liked my voice. It felt great to have my own voice in my first Telugu film. I dubbed in a way that sounded like a Telugu girl, not a Kannada girl.
This is your first Telugu film. How does it feel that it received an 'A' certificate?
-When I heard the story, I felt there was a lot of violence and action. Actually, that kind of violence and action is necessary for this story; it's the genre of the film. Even KGF had violence, but it was a different world. HIT 3 is a different world altogether. I've mostly done films with violence. Like the dialogue in KGF, 'Violence, I don't like, but violence likes me' (laughs).
What can you say about director Shailesh Kolanu?
-This is my first time doing an investigative thriller action drama. The director was very supportive. He used to explain everything in detail and taught me a lot. He shoots with very good planning. I hope he makes many more amazing films and achieves even greater success in the future.
Your thoughts on Mickey J Meyer's music?
-Mickey J Meyer has given fantastic music. It's a new genre for him as well. He has provided the best music, and the audience will really enjoy it. The background score is very thrilling. The first song, "Prema Veluva," was a huge hit, and the song sung by Anirudh is also a super hit. DOP Sanu John Varghese has given brilliant visuals, and the entire technical team has delivered their best work. Technically, the film will be top-notch.
Will we see you in KGF 3?
-Whether I'm in KGF 3 or not, you'll have to wait and watch! (laughs)
We heard you rejected the role of Sita in Ramayana?
-Actually, I need to clarify this. There's been some miscommunication in the media regarding this. I auditioned for the role of Sita, and that's the only truth. I didn't receive any call from them after that. I'm not such a big actor to reject such a character. The only fact is that I auditioned. The final call was taken by the filmmakers. I came to know through the media that Sai Pallavi was finalized for that role.
What are your upcoming projects?
-You know about "Telusu Kada," the shooting is currently underway.
