From Soft Roles to Screen Domination: Laya Discusses Her Energetic Return in ‘Sampraadayini Suppini Suddhapusani’
The beloved on-screen pair of Shivaji and Laya, who previously delivered hits like Missamma and Tata Birla Madhyalo Laila, are back together after a two-decade hiatus. Their upcoming film, Sampraadayini Suppini Suddhapusani (SSS), is generating significant buzz as a unique crime-comedy-thriller.
Produced by Shivaji under the Sri Shivaji Productions banner and distributed by the powerhouse duo Bunny Vasu and Vamsi Nandipati in association with ETV Win, the film is set for a grand theatrical release on March 6, 2026. During a recent media interaction, Laya opened up about her "wicked" new role and the joy of returning to the silver screen.
A "Dark Comedy" Departure
While many expected a traditional family drama given the lead pair's history, Laya revealed that SSS is a fast-paced dark comedy.
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The Genre: "Comedy has always been my favorite," Laya shared. "But this is different—it’s a comedy-crime thriller. It has a unique vibe that blends humor with suspenseful twists."
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The Character: Laya portrays Uttara, a role she describes as a complete departure from her past work. "People usually associate me with soft, emotional roles where I’m either crying or making the audience cry. In this film, I’m the one making others cry! Uttara is a strong, slightly selfish character who dominates the narrative."
From OTT Back to the Big Screen
The film's journey to the theaters was a topic of much discussion. Initially rumored for a direct-to-digital release, the overwhelming positive feedback from internal screenings pushed it toward a theatrical release.
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The Big Screen Magic: Laya admitted she was disappointed when OTT was being considered. "I grew up on the silver screen, and my daughter was particularly upset at the thought of missing it in theaters. We are thrilled that prominent industry voices felt this film deserved the grand scale of a cinema hall."
Collaborating with a Passionate Team
Laya had high praise for her long-time co-star and the film’s director:
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On Shivaji: "His passion for cinema has only intensified over the last 20 years. He is constantly thinking about the audience and how to deliver the best experience."
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On Director Sudheer Sriram: "Sudheer has an incredibly clear vision. He knows exactly how to extract the performance he needs and didn't compromise on the hilarity of the script."
Looking Ahead: Stronger Characters and New Genres
Laya is entering a new phase of her career, focusing on "strong" characters rather than just lead roles.
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Upcoming Projects: Fans can see her next in Vadhalu, a psychological thriller where she plays Jagapathi Babu’s wife. She is also working on a socio-fantasy film with Srikanth, directed by Nageswara Reddy, reminiscent of the classic Yamaleela.
