I Played a Very Different Character in 'Junior' That I Haven't Done Before; The Film Will Definitely Entertain Everyone: Heroine Genelia
Hyderabad, Telangana – July 13, 2025 – Kireeti Reddy, son of prominent politician and businessman Gali Janardhan Reddy, is making his debut as a hero with the youth entertainer 'Junior,' directed by Radha Krishna. Sreeleela stars as the heroine, and Genelia plays a pivotal role. Produced by Rajani Korrapati under the Vaaraahi Chalana Chitram banner, the film's songs have become chartbusters, and its teaser and trailer have received a tremendous response. With star cinematographer K.K. Senthil Kumar as DOP, 'Junior' is set to release on July 18th. Genelia recently shared insights about her role and the film at a press conference.
The Comeback and the Allure of 'Junior'
Genelia, returning to South Indian cinema after approximately 13 years, revealed what attracted her to 'Junior': "This project came to me three years ago. At that time, I hadn't decided whether to do it or not. Ritesh spoke very positively about this story to me. He told me to listen to it once and then decide. I really liked the way the director narrated the story and my character in it."
She emphasized her preference for unique roles: "From the beginning, I have always chosen films with the intention of doing new characters that I haven't done before. My character in this film is very special. I haven't done such a character until now. That's why I felt I must definitely do this film, and I did it."
"This film is a wonderful package. Working with Devi Sri Prasad, Senthil Kumar, and all of them felt like a reunion."
Her Character: A 'Boss' with Surprising Twists
When asked if her character in the trailer appears very serious, Genelia clarified, "More than serious, it's a good boss character. As the film progresses, there will be many changes in that character. The director has treated all of them very uniquely."
Praising Co-stars and Technical Team
Speaking about the debutant hero, Kireeti, she said, "I have worked with many new actors until now. But Kireeti is a very confident actor. He is a wonderful dancer, and his performance is amazing. He worked very hard and put in complete effort."
On working with Senthil Garu, she remarked, "We worked together on the film Sye. He has come after doing wonderful films like Baahubali and RRR. It felt very happy to work with him after a long time."
About Sreeleela, Genelia praised, "Sreeleela is an amazing dancer. A wonderful performer. She is very energetic."
Regarding Devi Sri Prasad's music, she stated, "Devi Sri Prasad is a wonderful composer. It's a blessing to have him in a film. He is very positive. He brings wonderful energy to every film. The 'Viral Vayyari' song in this film became a super hit. Ritesh also loves that song very much."
She also appreciated producer Sai Garu: "Sai Garu told me about this project. He supported me a lot. He took great care. He produced the film grandly without compromising anywhere."
Reflecting on Her Career and Iconic Roles
When asked if she regrets taking a break from films at the peak of her career, Genelia replied, "No. Life has everything. However, I have done many wonderful films. Hasini in Bommarillu is a very memorable character. Also Madhumati in Happy, and the film Katha... Even now, audiences call me by my character names. That gives me great joy as an actress."
On continuing acting, she affirmed, "Definitely. If good characters come, I am ready to act. I prefer doing a small character that is memorable."
How audiences will perceive her in 'Junior' is also a point of excitement for her: "Honestly, I have done a character in this film that I haven't done until now. I am also excited about how audiences will receive it. I am looking forward to July 18th."
Regarding dream roles, she shared, "Coming into the industry, doing so many roles, and receiving immense affection from audiences – all of this feels like a dream to me. There is no greater dream than this."
Fond Memories and Future Possibilities
Recalling working with a great actor like Kota Srinivasa Rao in Bommarillu, she said, "It was my good fortune to act with a great actor like Kota Srinivasa Rao Garu. I learned many things from him. His absence is an irreparable loss to the film industry."
On her co-stars like Ram Charan, NTR, and Allu Arjun doing big pan-India films now, she commented, "They are all my friends. They are heroes with wonderful talent. It feels very happy to see them as superstars now."
When asked about the possibility of doing a film with Ritesh Garu, she mentioned, "We did the remake of Majili. That gave a wonderful success. If another good love story comes along, there is a thought to do a film."
