“Don’t Judge Yet”: Hemanth Madhukar Defends Anushka’s Role

Anushka Shetty’s upcoming film Kathanar – The Wild Sorcerer has been generating buzz ever since its trailer release, with some fans expressing concern over her limited screen presence. However, filmmaker Hemanth Madhukar believes such reactions are premature.

“Netizens and fans are jumping the gun,” says Hemanth, who previously worked with Anushka in Nishabdam. He emphasizes that a trailer is only meant to offer a glimpse into the film’s world. “It’s unfair to judge the importance or screen time of a character based on promotional cuts,” he adds.

Marking Anushka’s Malayalam debut, Kathanar stars Jayasurya in the lead and is directed by Rojin Thomas. Backed by Sree Gokulam Movies, the film promises a grand fantasy spectacle rooted in folklore and mysticism.

Hemanth further points out that Anushka is known for her careful script choices. “She is a very talented actress who would have taken this decision with a lot of thought and commitment. The novelty of the script and the challenge it offers might have attracted her,” he explains, adding that the role is likely different from what audiences have seen her do in Telugu cinema.

Despite the ongoing chatter, expectations remain high. Industry observers feel that showcasing Anushka more prominently in upcoming promotional material could further strengthen the film’s appeal, especially in Telugu markets where she enjoys a massive fan base.

On the work front, Anushka last scored an average success with Miss Shetty Mr. Polishetty, while her film Ghaati failed to connect with audiences. As Kathanar – The Wild Sorcerer gears up for a pan-Indian release, Hemanth’s remarks serve as a reminder that the full picture will only unfold on the big screen.