‘I felt like Pandhrali, a wife with 15 husbands’: Amala Paul

The above remarks of actor Amala Paul during the audio launch of of her upcoming flick Aadai while referring to the 15 technicians who shot the nude scenes of her created a buzz.

Elaborating more on the scandalous baring scene and why she called herself ‘Pandhrali’, the Mynaa girl said, “Even though I had the courage to accept the daring role, I felt the heat during the day of the shoot. Right before performing the scene, I called my manager and enquired about the security, safety and about the number of people who were on the sets. As I walked in, I saw bouncers frisking everyone like in airports. Everyone’s cellphones were collected on the sets and every member of the art department and light men were asked to take rest outside throughout that shoot.

There were only 15 important people from the team inside. I remember saying this, ‘Panchali  had only 5 husbands, I feel like ‘Pandhrali’, a wife with 15 husbands’ (laughs). That’s the kind of trust I had to have doing those scenes. Thanks to Aadai crew.”

She goes on to add that she was almost in a mood to quit the film industry. “Most of the scripts which I received from various filmmakers were repetitive and in the name of women centric themes they were uninspiring.  Like a rape victim protagonist and her struggles against the odds and gaining revenge, or a wife who supports her husband endlessly, or a sacrificial mother etc. I found them all fake and had no interest to be a part of these falsehoods. When director Ratna Kumar’s Aadai synopsis came to me, it was so intriguing and shocking. I also had apprehension if anyone would come forward to produce it. Later, I was told Subbu has come forward to bankroll it.”

The trailer of Aadai featured Kamini (Amala Paul) in three different avatars, showcasing her as ‘arrogant,’ ‘audacious’ and ‘artistic’, which suggests that it is a survival story of a girl who fights back to reclaim the freedom snatched away from her.

Director Ratna Kumar revealed that Aadai, given an ‘A’ certificate by the  censors, is not on women empowerment. “When the first look poster was released, many thought it is going to be an adult content sleazy movie. But, I am sure people’s perception will change once the film gets released.”