Exclusive: Kalyani Priyadarshan on Hridayam, Bro Daddy, working with Mohanlal, and Telugu films

Ahead of the release of the films, the actress spoke to NewsMeter exclusively and talked about 'Hridayam', 'Bro Daddy', life since COVID-19, working with legends, and a lot more.

So, how has life been since the pandemic?

Kalyani: Everything now is pre-COVID and post-COVID. Life hasn't been normal since the pandemic hit. The thing with films and artists is that we can't work from home. So, everything had to be stopped and we had to sit at home. All the projects we had been working on were stalled for some time. Decisions that were made had to be rethought again and again. Also, this wasn't just once. We have been witnessing one wave after another. But thankfully, this one is mild. So yes, things are finally and slowly falling back into place.

'Hridayam' is releasing, finally. Tell us a little about your role and the film.

Kalyani: Well, I can't really reveal much about my role. All I can say is that it is one of the very nice roles I have played till now. It is a cute love story that is driven by moments and not by the story. It is breezy and people will definitely love this one. The songs have also been a huge hit. Each song is of a different emotion.

Pranav Mohanlal is your childhood friend. How was it having your best friend as a co-star?

Kalyani: Pranav is the first friend I ever made and we know everything about each other. So, we did not need any warm-up on the sets. This is the happiest I have ever been while working for a film. People who have seen me work can actually tell you how happy I was. I remember Vineeth calling me after a montage song and telling me the kind of magic we created on screen. This was possible because of our friendship and how comfortable we felt with each other. It was a very different experience and I thank Pranav for that.

This film was delayed quite a number of times, right?

Kalyani: Yes. We shot the first half before COVID and almost after a year, we shot the second half. Well, it helped us a lot to prep for the film and gave us the scope to make things better. The songs were ready before the film even started. But yeah, there been has been a delay as theatres, too, were shut and Kerala saw a spike in cases. Thankfully, we are all set to release the film now.

Back-to-back hits and releases isn't it?

Kalyani: (laughs) Yes. Thanks for that. It feels nice. 'Maanaadu' is a huge hit and then came 'Marakkar'. All the films are doing well at the theatres and even with 'Putham Puthu Kalai', people showered their love. Next comes 'Bro Daddy'. I am excited about both the upcoming films.

Working with Mohanlal is every actor's dream. And you know him since childhood. But how was it working with him?

Kalyani: In 'Hridayam', I worked with the best team. And in 'Bro Daddy', I worked with legends. Working with Mohanlal is, yes, every actor's dream and I am fortunate to have got the opportunity. Also, Prithviraj is my co-star in the film and also the director. I learned a lot from these two and I feel so lucky to share screen space with them.

Hasn't it been a long time since we saw you in Telugu films?

Kalyani: I know. I am looking for a script that excites me. I love Telugu cinema and I have received a lot of love from the audience for all the three Telugu films that I have done. COVID has definitely spoiled a lot of plans, I should say. But yes, I am open to different genres and scripts from Tollywood.

Do you regularly watch Telugu films?

Kalyani: Of course I do. I watch every film that releases. I most recent film that I watched was 'Pushpa'. Allu Arjun is brilliant and this one is definitely different from the films he previously did. I congratulate the entire team of 'Pushpa'.