Actress Irra Mor of 'Bhairava Geetha' fame is kicked about her June 23rd theatrical release 'Kondaa', wherein she has played politician Konda Surekha from Warangal. Thrigun, her co-star, has played Konda Murali in this Ram Gopal Varma directorial.
In this interview, Irra Mor talks about her background, how she bagged 'Kondaa', playing Surekha, and more.
I came to Mumbai in 2017. I joined theatre and was associated with theatre for 1.5 years or so. I auditioned for a lot of roles in feature films while in Mumbai. This is when I got in touch with RGV sir, who asked me to audition for 'Bhairava Geetha'. That's when my film career took off.
In the past two years, I have tried to understand the industry more and learn things. I have also brushed up my acting skills. In 2021, I shot for two web series.
'Kondaa' came to me last year when the lockdown was still on. I loved Surekha and the character arc offered to me. There is a lot of variety in the character. I thank RGV sir for offering me this versatile role. I watched Surekha's videos to understand her demeanour. I did a look test wearing a saree. I had to look strong on screen because Surekha is a politician.
RGV sir had a certain image in mind. It was very important what not to wear, and what not to show on screen. Listening to Surekha's interviews helped me understand her personality and make my own notes. I didn't want to copy her, though. She is a simple lady. RGV sir wanted me to add colour to her persona. He wanted me to be gracious as well.
RGV sir has shot every frame of 'Kondaa' himself. He is a clear-minded filmmaker whose clarity of thought gives his artists the space to showcase talent.
When you are playing a real life character, you have to portray the person as realistically as possible. You can't take too many liberties. The actor has to get into the person's mind space and imagine how the person you are playing might have looked when he or she was 20, 30 and so on.
Surekha is a strong-headed woman who has done a lot in life. I have just started in life. So, I can't compare myself with her. What is similar between us is that we both are strong-willed. My parents have always taught me to be fearless. Commitment to yourself is something I relate with Surekha.
Thrigun is very good. He is very serious and quite focused on set. He is in his own zone. He is a quiet personality on set. Otherwise, he speaks a lot and is expressive. He was very helpful throughout.
Konda Sushmitha, Surekha-Murali's daughter, has produced the film. After watching the rushes of 'Kondaa', especially the interval bang where Konda Murali gets shot, she called me. Initially, she was skeptical as to whether I would be able to portray her mother authentically. After all, my social background is different. After watching the rushes, she found me authentic. She told me I had given 1000%! She was present when her father was shot at. The execution of the interval scene convinced her that we were doing it right!
Life is full of ups and downs. You can't stop because the circumstances are adverse. You have to live your life. You have to respect yourself. You have to stand for yourself. You have to achieve what you want to. That's why my character brings out.
As an actor, I want to play all kinds of characters. At the moment, I want to play a cool, bubbly character. I have something coming up in Telugu.
