After getting introduced to Telugu audiences with the movie Amigos in 2023, Ashikha Ranganath started her New Year on a positive note with a big-ticket film — Naa Saami Ranga, which is releasing for Sankranthi.
The actor plays Vara in the film. “I’ll be portraying the character of Vara, and my role holds importance in the story. The character has two variations, and I am confident the audience will find my role entertaining.,” she quips.
Ashika Ranganath says Vara is an incredibly independent girl. The roles of heroines in village settings can be delicate but Varu’s character is somewhat rebellious.
“The viewers will find my character quite empowering. It was truly a thrilling experience to portray such a role. ‘Naa Saami Ranga’ is a wholesome commercial entertainer with a distinct Telugu flavour. I am sure it will not disappoint fans of Nagarjuna,” she told the media on Tuesday, 9 January.
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A stroke of luck
The ‘Amigos’ actor notes that she is lucky to share screen space with a big star like Akkineni Nagarjuna.
“It is a stroke of luck for a newcomer like me to act alongside Nag sir. I was pleasantly surprised. I am lucky that 2024 ticked off with a Sankranthi film in Tollywood. What more can I ask for,” she was in awe.
Ashika Ranganath added, “Working with Nagarjuna sir was a wonderful experience. He is a charming and an amazing onscreen performer. He is a sweet person at heart.”
When asked to explain the chemistry she shared with Nagarjuna in the film, she replied: “Nagarjuna garu is renowned for diverse onscreen-romantic characters. In Naa Saami Ranga, romantic tracks drive the story forward. Additionally, there are unique romantic narratives for the characters portrayed by actors Allari Naresh and Raj Tarun. The characters are well-crafted and there are delightful combination scenes featuring Naresh and Raj Tarun. Altogether, I am sure these elements contribute to the fireworks when the film hits screens on Sankranthi.”
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On Keeravani and Vijay Binni
Billed as a wholesome family entertainer, Naa Saami Ranga is a period-drama film directed by Vijay Binni.
It stars Nagarjuna, Allari Naresh, Raj Tarun, Ashika Ranganath, and Jisshu Sengupta in the crucial roles. The film’s original soundtrack is composed by Oscar Award winner MM Keeravani.
Ashika says working with Keeravani has been a delightful experience for her.
“Having witnessed his exceptional work in films like Magadheera (2009), Baahubali (2015 and 2017), and RRR (2022) and hearing his songs, it’s a privilege to be associated with such a renowned music composer. The songs in Naa Saami Ranga are fantastic. The response to the already released songs has been excellent,” she quipped.
As for director Vijay Binni, despite being a newcomer, she revealed that she didn’t come across as talented as him. “He aced the project like a ‘pro’ by showing great finesse like an experienced filmmaker. Binni is quick in making decisions and he has a clear vision for the project,” she explained.
‘Pleasure to be compared with Anushka Shetty’
Despite her Kannada roots, Ashikha Ranganath found both Telugu and Kannada languages and the cultures quite similar as she enjoyed the vibe and atmosphere in Tollywood.
“Telugu language is new to me. So, the writers and direction department helped me a lot. I practised the voice notes to learn the lines and gave my best. I enjoyed the process,” she was all smiles.
About the striking similarities she has with senior star Anushka Shetty, the actor said, “I like Anushka very much. She acted in excellent films and portrayed good characters. It’s a pleasure to be compared with her.”
Ashikha Ranganath says she wants to do films with good scope for performance along with glamour. “I want to be part of a periodical film. If anything comes my way, I want to grab it. I want to be a part of SS Rajamouli’s film one day,” she signed off.
