No Inhibition in Playing Dark Role in Mookuthi Amman 2

Celebrating two decades in cinema, Regina Cassandra delivers a powerful performance as the antagonist Bhaira in Sundar C’s Diwali release Mookuthi Amman 2. Pitted against Nayanthara as the Goddess, Regina embraces the negative role effortlessly. She discusses with DC her career trajectory, her belief in the supernatural, and her Bollywood experiences.

Beyond being boxed

I refuse to box myself into one type of role, preferring to play diverse characters. Following my negative turn in Vidaamurchi, I readily accepted Sundar Sir’s compelling vision of Bhaira in Mookuthi Amman 2.

Ordeal of Paint and Prosthetics

Spending three hours daily in the chair for elaborate face paint and custom nails was quite an ordeal. However, my stylist Uma kept the costumes and crown lightweight while ensuring Bhaira looked fierce.

Working with Sundar C

Sundar Sir is an easy-going and delightfully jovial director. He's one of my favourite directors. He has taken a divine, devotional subject and turned it into a full commercial entertainer.

More Scared of People than Ghosts

I believe in dark and positive energies. In 2019, while resting in Himachal Pradesh, I had a spooky paranormal experience. I felt cold hands playfully pinch my nose while I was asleep. If anyone had come into the room, the floorboards would have creaked, but I woke up to an empty room. I just laughed it off. Honestly, I'm far more scared of people now!

Protecting My Work: My Big Bollywood Lesson

Working with Dharma Productions on Kesari 2 as Akshay Kumar's wife was great on set, but promotions were shocking. I was completely omitted from promotional material, left untagged in official songs, and received no response when my team reached out. Unlike the South or other northern banners, this experience taught me a hard lesson: after 20 years in the industry, you must protect yourself and ensure everything is explicitly written into your contract.

Cheering for the Lady Superstar

You have to be your own biggest cheerleader in this industry. Despite facing far more backlash than men, Nayanthara owns the ‘Lady Superstar’ title and record-breaking 60-foot cutout. Cutting through all the noise to achieve this is simply amazing.

Highlight: “Spending three hours daily in chair for face paint and custom nails was quite an ordeal. my stylist kept crown lightweight.”