Samantha: I Was Stubborn, I Gave My Life And Did ‘Yashoda’: Samantha played an emotional role in ‘Yashoda’. She will be seen as a woman who fights to get out of the situations faced by her. Samantha is a fighter in real life too. Battling myositis and undergoing treatment (saline), he finished dubbing for ‘Yashoda’. Produced by Sivalenka Krishna Prasad under the banner Sridevi Movies under the direction of Hari and Harish, the film is releasing worldwide on November 11 in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi languages. On this occasion, Samantha spoke about her health condition along with the film. Interview with Samantha
Hi Samantha, how is your health now?
Thank you..for asking this! Now I am recovering. Hope things improve soon. At this moment, I am only thinking about today. Excited about the release of ‘Yashoda’ today.
There is a lot of news about your health. how are you now
Yes… I too have seen many articles. But… for now, I’m not dead (laughs). Those headings are irrelevant. I’m still here. I am fighting. In my situation, it was not that fatal.
Where do you get the courage to face the current situation?
As posted on social media. there will be some good days. There will be some bad days. It seems like we can’t take another step forward every day. Have you come this far if you go back a few days? It seems (Samantha gets emotional while answering) Many people are fighting many challenges. Ultimately we will win.
Coming to Yashoda… The teaser and trailer are getting a super responses. How do you feel watching the audience’s reaction?
Very happy. I got excited. A little nervous at the same time. What we have shown in the teaser and trailer is true. We showed what was in the movie. The audience received it well. They liked the teaser and trailer. Hope you like the movie too.
What does ‘Yashoda’ mean first? Did you immediately do OK when the story was told? Or have you thought?
Usually, I take a day to get any script OK. But, ‘Yashoda’ immediately agreed. ‘Yashoda’ is one of those stories that I immediately liked. I liked the character of ‘Yashoda’ very much. This is a powerful story. So, nothing to think too much about. Hearing the story gave me goosebumps. I was thrilled. I hope the audience will be equally thrilled and get goosebumps too. There is so much power in the movie. Directors Hari and Harish are bringing a new concept to the audience.
We have heard about ‘Yashoda’ in Puranas. What would a modern ‘Yashoda’ look like?
Both are women. Both are mothers. Many people were saved. The audience knows about ‘Yashoda’ who raised Lord Krishna. Everyone is aware of Puranas. After watching our movie you will understand the character of ‘Yashoda’. I am sure everyone will agree with what I am saying.
Now surrogacy is common. What is your opinion on surrogacy?
I don’t have a strong opinion on surrogacy. It is only a solution for those who want to become parents. Gives life to their hopes.
It seems that the film is not only about surrogacy, but also politics and world-rich women issues. Can you tell us a little more about the story?
If I can say anything else about the story… you will miss the thrill while watching the movie. ‘Yashoda’ is a good thriller. While watching in the theatre, you are on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next. The way the director wrote the story, the screenplay… the way he brought it to the screen… the fights, the sets, the artwork, the music… everything was super. This is a must-watch movie in theatres. Enjoy on the silver screen.
You have done different genre films. What is the thrill of making an action thriller?
Either while listening to the stories… or in the case of the character in the film… I always think of something new and different from what I have done before. I will see to it. Before ‘Yashoda’ I did ‘U – Turn’. That too is a thriller. But, ‘Yashoda’ is very new. It will also be new in terms of action. I enjoy doing an action. First time did action for the role of Raji in ‘Family Man 2’. To be honest… it’s a lot of fun when doing an action. I am enjoying it.
What kind of training did you take for the action scenes? What was it like doing the action? Even if you’ve done action before… this range of hard-core fights won’t you!
Worked with Yannick Benn for ‘Family Man 2’. I took training in kickboxing and boxing for that character. In ‘Yashoda’ I played a simple pregnant lady. Yannick Ben and Venkat Master designed the action for the character… both made sure that the fights were raw and real. At the same time, they looked to suit the role. I have prepared a lot.
Varalakshmi Sarath Kumar, Unni Mukundan, Rao Ramesh, Murali Sharma, Sampath Raj… the movie has a huge cast. How was it when everyone met on the sets?
Working with all the actors in the film was a wonderful experience. When we are surrounded by experienced artists, we can learn a lot from them. ‘Yashoda’ has actors from different languages. Everyone has something to learn from. The way a Malayalam actor speaks a dialogue is different from the way a Telugu actor speaks. It was interesting to act with so many people. I learned a lot from all of them.
If you look at the trailer visuals, the production values are very rich. Your association with producer Shivalenka Krishna Prasad...
Local hotels and hospitals are looked at for surrogacy fertility centers. But, nothing is set. With that, a huge set was laid. Producer Sivalenka Krishnaprasad always wants the movie to be great. They spared no expense to ensure that the output was grand.
Did the story come to you with the idea of a pan-India release? Or else…
If you look at the story… there is great emotion in the story and in the film. It is understood that the film will engage the audience. Right from the beginning, we realized that the story had potential. Our confidence increased while shooting. As it is an emotional point, we thought that the audience of all languages will connect and everyone will like it. Now releasing in five languages. Audience and media say ‘Pan India’. Hope it will be a pan-India hit.
What kind of response is the film getting from Tamil, Hindi, Malayalam, and Kannada languages? Do you know?
To be honest… the response from the audience in all languages is amazing. The difference is… the micro trends. Each language appeals to different audiences. Their tastes are slightly different. So, I am eager to know who likes what. Vijay Devarakonda, Dulquer Salmaan, Rakshit Shetty, Suriya, Varun Dhawan… Thanks to all the heroes who released the trailer. Due to their support, the trailer has become more accessible to the audience in all languages.
Says dabbing with a saline bottle. Even though you have the option of dubbing with someone else… the reason for dubbing yourself?
I decided earlier to dub for ‘Yashoda’. Once I commit… I have to do it. When an artist brings life to a character… they want to do the dubbing. They want to make their voice heard. I just… have that tenacity in me. I am stubborn. Happy to be able to dub despite the challenges.
‘Apart from your character in Yashoda, which role did you like best?
Varalakshmi Sarathkumar’s character. If you watch the movie, you will understand why I am saying this. Anything more than this would be a spoiler.
Presently there is a lot of discussion about your health. What do you say to the fans?
Thanks for the love, affection, and support they are showing. Praying for my speedy recovery. I am currently recovering. This is a war. The love and support you all show is the reason to fight that battle.