Actress Naila Grrewal, who is set to make her South film debut with Atlee’s much-awaited project Raaka, has praised the South Indian film industry for staying closely connected to its cultural roots.
Speaking exclusively to IANS, Naila said the industry’s strong cultural connect, authentic storytelling and powerful writing have helped it establish a distinct identity among audiences across India.
Asked what makes South cinema particularly interesting compared with Bollywood or Hindi cinema, Naila said, “I think the beauty of the South industry is that they stay very connected to their cultural fabric and roots.”
“They showcase their cultural fabric so beautifully through their films and scripts that they attract all kinds of people to their cinema. I think that is their beauty — they are authentically themselves. Along with that, there is great writing and great scripting,” she added.
Naila is part of Raaka, which stars Allu Arjun and Deepika Padukone in the lead roles. The film was officially announced on Allu Arjun’s 44th birthday on April 8, with the project, earlier known as #AA22xA6, receiving its title Raaka.
The film marks the first on-screen collaboration between Allu Arjun and Deepika Padukone.
The makers also unveiled Allu Arjun’s first look, showing the actor in an intense bald and rugged avatar. His face is partly obscured by a wolf-like claw, with his sharply focused eyes dominating the poster.
The project is directed by Atlee and is among the highly anticipated upcoming films featuring Allu Arjun.