Priyamani, a well-known actress in the Telugu film industry since her debut in 2003 with Evare Atagaadu, continues to stay busy with multiple projects. Her most recent film is Officer on Duty, a Malayalam police thriller directed by debutant Jithu Ashraf. The movie, which features Kunchacko Boban (Chackochan) opposite her, is set for release on February 20. In an exclusive interview with Hindustan Times, Priyamani shared insights about her role, her career journey, and future collaborations.
Reflecting on her role in Officer on Duty, Priyamani expressed excitement about venturing into the police drama genre for the first time. She plays a strong, assertive wife to Chackochan’s character, a woman whose family is her priority but who also possesses a bold, complex personality. She hinted at unexpected twists and turns in the film, making it a thrilling watch. “It’s a family thriller with action and suspense, and I thoroughly enjoyed playing such a layered character,” she said. The project, despite being director Jithu Ashraf’s debut, boasts a talented team of creators, including DOP Roby Varghese Raj and writer Shahi Kabir, who are all experienced directors themselves. Priyamani believes the film’s success will ultimately depend on the audience’s reception.
Throughout her career, Priyamani has stayed remarkably consistent, with multiple releases across various languages like Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi. Despite the busy schedule, she acknowledges that her journey in the industry has been far from easy. “The struggle is real, and it’s definitely not a cakewalk,” she admitted. She mentioned that she now finds herself in a fortunate position where she can be selective about the projects she takes on, ensuring that they align with her interests and convictions. However, the actress also admitted that it can be challenging when a project doesn’t go as planned, such as being replaced or having her scenes cut. “Of course, it stings, but when it’s the makers’ decision, you learn to accept it,” she explained.
Looking ahead, Priyamani is excited about her upcoming collaboration with Thalapathy Vijay in Jana Nayagan (formerly Thalapathy 69). She revealed her admiration for Vijay, sharing that working with him is a dream come true. Although she hasn’t begun filming yet, she’s looking forward to their scenes together. She also expressed her admiration for Vijay’s potential shift into politics, hoping that it doesn’t mark his final film.
When asked about working with Ajith Kumar, Priyamani was enthusiastic. “Why would I say no?” she laughed. Having seen nearly all of Ajith’s films, Priyamani is eager to share the screen with him. She recalled a past meeting with Ajith during a dubbing session for Paruthiveeran, where they bonded over mutual acquaintances. Priyamani, a fan of Ajith’s dedication to both acting and racing, expressed her desire to star in an action-packed film with him. “If any filmmakers are listening, I would love to do an action film with Ajith sir,” she added with a smile.
As Priyamani continues to build her impressive career, the actress remains excited for the new roles and opportunities that lie ahead, particularly with industry legends like Vijay and Ajith.
