A sensitive story

The release of Kannada movie ‘Cigarette’ has been delayed. The work on it was wrapped up a few months ago but the dearth of prominent single screen theatres has stalled the release. “Now, the movie is slated to release in the second week of March. We are looking at releasing the movie in a few prominent screens. Once the screen is fixed, the date will be announced,” says Roopa Shree who plays the lead in the film. 

Roopa Shree’s role is interesting. The actress says that it is a very realistic character, which begins on a sober note and becomes intense towards the climax. The movie shows how addiction can ruin a person. “It’s the story of how a simple girl turns insane because the man she loves falls prey to a certain disease. She takes to smoking to overcome the trauma but this takes a toll on her psychological well-being,” she says. It wasn’t easy to play the character, reasons Roopa Shree. “There are people with definite problems such as smoking and alcohol addiction. I am sure a lot of people will be able to relate to the character. There’s a lot of reality infused into the story,” she adds. 

Roopa Shree confesses that she is an emotional person and is sensitive to issues relating to women and youngsters. “I break down at the smallest of things. Playing such a strong character helped me feel the depth of any emotion, be it joy or sorrow,” she says. 

Roopa Shree has a couple more projects in hand. Her Telugu project, in which she plays a homely character, is ready for release. 

In another Kannada movie, she essays the role of a journalist. “It’s a suspense-filled horror film that revolves around a murder that happens in a particular location near a dense forest. My crew and I go on an investigation of sorts to unravel the mystery behind the string of murders,” she says.

Roopa Shree feels tough characters suit her more than traditional, homely ones. “Tough characters give you a chance to explore the actor in you,” she says.