Oopiri is like India coming together: Tamannah

Tamannah Bhatia, one of the most sought-after actresses, will be seen playing a personal assistant to Nagarjuna in Oopiri.  In this interview, the milky beauty talks about how she prepared for the role, why she volunteered to dub for the first time, how it was working with Karthi, what regret she has about Mr.Perfect, and more.

What kind of homework did you do for the role in 'Oopiri'?

I did not watch The Intouchables, the French film. I approached the role with an open mind because I did not want to be influenced by the original in any way.  Vamshi Paidipally said to me that the look is 50 per cent of the work. I am wearing tight clothes to look well-dressed and suave.  

Where do you fit in the scheme of the things in 'Oopiri'?

I am the bridge for the bromance between Nag sir and Karthi. I am a strong woman here. My character is a culmination of two characters in the original.  

How was playing the same role in two languages?

I don't know about Nag sir and Karthi, but speaking for myself, I couldn't do the two roles in the same way. My mannerisms are different, my expressions are different. They are like two different versions. I went by my director's narrative.  

The film looks so lavish. Where was it shot?

The film was shot predominantly in Annapurna Studios' Seven Acres. The outdoor portions were shot in Paris, and Belgrade (first South Indian film to be shot there), among others.

Have any changes been made to the original?

This is not a remake. 'Oopiri' is an adaptation of 'The Intouchables'. It's like another film, actually. Just as we adapted the original, the French filmmakers may well adapt Oopiri.   

Why do you call this film a real bi-lingual?

Nag sir and Karthi are both big actors in their respective industries. Gopi Sunder is from Malayalam. I am a Mumbai girl.   It's like India coming together. If you see the trailers of Oopiri and Thozhi, they are different. My character has been sketched differently for both languages.

You have worked with Karthi in the past. How different was it working with him for 'Oopiri'?

There is no difference. He has only evolved as an actor. He is mid-way between spontaneous acting and methodical acting.  It's very intriguing to watch him.  

A decade after being in the industry, have you taken stock of yourself?

Fortunately, I have been accepted so well down South. I am feeling very lucky. I have got to play versatile roles. In 'Baahubali', a period drama, I played an angelic role and a warrior girl's role with tanned look - two contrasting shades. In 'Oopiri', I play a modern woman who is strong at heart. Prabhu Deva's film is again a female-centric one.  

Do you have any regrets?

The one time I had regret was I couldn't do Mr. Perfect. It's one of my favourite films.  

Your popularity has become national after Baahubali. How is the pre-Baahubali Tamannah different from the post-Baahubali one?

I have become more conscious of what I do.  I have become more responsible as an actor. We didn't expect that the Hindi version will become such a huge hit. In Baahubali-2, I have a shorter role compared to what I played in Baahubali. But I am eager to be a part of this film.

You have done item songs in the past. Are you waiting for another such song?

I dont' wait for such offers. Sometimes, they fall in place and I do.

What are your forthcoming films?

I have completed shooting for Dharma Durai opposite Vijay Sethupathy.I have a Telugu-Tamil-Hindi trilingual lined up with Prabhu Deva and Sonu Sood. Then, of course, Baahubali-2.

- Interview by Vishwanath