Samantha Akkineni on Shaakuntalam: After a decade within the business, I’m enjoying my dream function

Samantha Akkineni, Dev Mohan, director Gunasekhar and producer Dil Raju launched their upcoming magnum-opus Shaakuntalam on Monday. In the ‘epic love story’, Samantha can be seen enjoying the titular function whereas Sufiyum Sujatayum fame Dev Mohan can be making his Telugu debut with the movie wherein he performs the function of Dushyant. Talking about being part of Shaakuntalam, Samantha mentioned it’s a reward to her from Dil Raju and Gunasekhar as she has at all times needed to play both a princess or a lead in a interval drama.
“In the journey of 50 films, I have done different roles and different genres. I have even attempted action in The Family Man and have also portrayed a villain but my dream role has always been to be in a period film or play a princess,” Samantha mentioned on the movie’s launch occasion, which occurred right this moment.
Shaakuntalam marks Samantha Akkineni and Dev Mohan’s first mission collectively. (Photo: Gunaa Teamworks/Instagram)
The Majili actor said that rising up, Disney movies was her consolation watch, “During my childhood, if I was upset or sad, I would cheer myself up by watching a Disney film. It has been my greatest strength. Even now, those films are my go-to film.”
“At this point of my career, Dil Raju sir and Guna sir have given me my biggest gift of my career. In 10 years of being in the film industry, it is today that I am getting to play a role, which has been my dream for a very long time. I hope I am able to give 100 percent to the project, which Guna sir is so passionate about,” she continued.
The 33-year-old mentioned that she has by no means been part of a mission that has no reference level. “I have never heard of such a script with so much detail. There is no reference to the film. Everything about the film is in director’s head. So, I am extremely excited to be part of this project and want to make the director’s vision come true,” she concluded.
Shaakuntalam group posed for an image on the launch occasion. (Photo: Gunaa Teamworks/Instagram)
Shaakuntalam’s writer-director Gunasekhar was all reward for Samantha and producer Dil Raju. He mentioned when he narrated the script to the producer, he immediately acquired on-board to again the movie.
Talking about Samantha, Gunasekhar mentioned, “There was a lot of curiosity around who will be playing the lead of the film. When the title Shakuntalam was announced, everyone, including fans, suggested Samantha as the perfect fit for the role as she has the innocence the role needs. When I approached her for the role, she said she will love to hear the story first. When I narrated the script, she instantly gave her nod. I was so happy that she agreed to the film, was able to connect to the role and was ready to put every effort it requires.”
Samantha was seen performing pooja on the launch occasion of Shaakuntalam. (Photo: Gunaa Teamworks/Instagram)
He knowledgeable the media that regardless of being busy with different tasks, she took out time to arrange for Shaakuntalam’s character. “She underwent classical training for four months. She worked really hard, irrespective of how busy she has been with her projects, including The Family Man. Her involvement and Dil Raju’s support has impressed me. I have no doubt that Samantha and Dev will leave an impression as Shakuntala and Dushyant, ” Gunasekhar concluded.
Shaakuntalam, a pan-Indian movie, can also be produced by Gunasekhar’s daughter Neelima Guna. The movie’s capturing will start subsequent week.