Beauty with a bright future!

In a rare feat for an actress, who has made her presence felt across the south Indian film industry for over a decade, she is inching towards her personal milestone of 25th film even as she gears up for her Bollywood debut starring alongside Emraan Hashmi this year. It will also feature Rishi Kapoor in a special role, directed by popular Malayalam director Jeethu Joseph of Drishyam fame.

After Tamil and Telugu, Vedhika Kumar’s first Kannada project was Sangama opposite Golden Star Ganesh following which she went on to feature in several power-packed roles. Her performance in Paradesi directed by Bala was very well appreciated by both critics and the audience. Further, she made yet another impact in a periodical drama followed by well balanced acts in glamorous and performance oriented roles. As far as Kannada films are concerned, her latest was Shivalinga alongside Century Star Shivarajkumar and then Gowdru Hotel. While her next with Real Star Upendra in Home Minister is ready for release, her most expected sequel from the hit franchise Kanchana 3, is releasing worldwide this Friday including in Kannada (dubbed version).

She talks about her scary thriller wrapped in humour, and much more in an exclusive interview with Bengaluru Chronicle.

“After the immense success of Shivalinga and then a unique venture titled Gowdru Hotel, I have a series of interesting films lined up for release including the most expected — Kanchana 3. The Kanchana series is one of the most popular sequels, and I am glad that I am back in Kanchana 3 after Muni with Raghava Lawrence sir. It is going to be an additional treat for Kannada fans as they can enjoy the movie simultaneously with its release worldwide as the dubbed version in Kannada is releasing too. Soon, Home Minister with Upendra is scheduled for release,” says Vedhika.

The Tamil hit movie Muni, which is the first of the four sequels from the Kanchana series is a horror-comedy movie written and directed by Raghava Lawrence. Its immense popularity led to the remake of the movie in Kannada as Kanchana starring Upendra in the first two sequels.

“Until Muni, either there were horror movies or comedy ones but Raghava sir blended both the genres into perfection into horror-comedy which is why it became a huge success. In fact, when he first approached me for Muni, I got scared hearing his narration. I could relate it to myself as I cannot sleep alone at night and would keep the lights on too. I never ever watched a horror movie all alone by myself but Muni changed it all. It is even enjoyed by kids and eases the scary parts with rib-tickling humour,” she adds.

While she has signed her next in Tamil alongside Adi Saikumar, her big debut in Hindi which also marks the debut of Malayalam director Jeethu Joseph features Emraan Hashmi and Rishi Kapoor.

“It is going to be a thriller for which I have almost done with the shooting part of it. Apart from Adi Saikumar’s project, I have just signed another Tamil which I will reveal it in the coming days. Kanchana 3 will see me in a never seen role in my career. I needed a change, and working for it was more like a vocational fun experience despite all the seriousness it went into its making. It is one of the longest films I have shot till date for over 70 days, as it is made on a big scale considering its enormous popularity and audience’s expectations. More than as an actress, I am eager to watch it as a fan of this hit franchise film,” Vedhika shares.