Chennai: Keerthy Suresh says Saani Kaayidham showcased her “badass yet vulnerable” side, helping filmmaker Dharmaraj see her potential for a challenging role. The National Award-winning actress has spoken about her approach to selecting films, saying she enjoys exploring performance-oriented projects while also embracing the entertainment and glamour of commercial cinema.
The actress recalled how her performance in the Tamil film Saani Kaayidham caught Dharmaraj’s attention. The revenge drama required her to portray a character with contrasting shades of vulnerability and intensity, offering her an opportunity to explore a different side of her acting abilities.
“I think Dharmaraj saw Saani Kaayidham, which I did in Tamil. It was a very badass character, but also a very vulnerable and different kind of character, where she goes on a journey of revenge,” Keerthy said.
Recalling her first meeting with the filmmaker, she said he told her that he had watched the film. That conversation helped her understand why he had considered her for the character.
Enjoys exploring different kinds of roles
Keerthy said she feels fortunate to have received opportunities across different genres and formats. While she enjoys offbeat films that allow her to focus on performance, she also values commercial entertainers that let her explore other aspects of being an actor.
“I enjoy doing offbeat films and projects that allow me to perform, but I also love doing films where I get to dance and explore other aspects of being an actor,” she said.
The actress added that she hopes to maintain a balance between these two approaches. She described the opportunities that have come her way as a blessing, saying they have often exceeded her expectations.
Her comments reflect a career approach that does not confine her to a particular genre. Performance-driven films offer the opportunity to inhabit complex characters, while mainstream entertainers provide space for music, dance, romance and other elements of popular cinema.
From Mahanati to Saani Kaayidham
Keerthy has earned recognition for taking on roles that demand emotional depth and character transformation. One of the major milestones in her career was Mahanati, in which she portrayed legendary actor Savitri. The performance brought her widespread acclaim and won her the National Film Award for Best Actress.
In Saani Kaayidham, she explored a much darker character in a revenge-driven story. The role demanded an intense portrayal of a woman navigating trauma and violence, demonstrating her willingness to move beyond conventional commercial roles.
Her film choices have included projects across Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam cinema, alongside mainstream entertainers. This variety has allowed her to engage with different storytelling styles and reach audiences across industries.
For the actress, the challenge appears to lie not in choosing between artistic and commercial cinema, but in making room for both. She has expressed an interest in projects that push her creatively without giving up the aspects of filmmaking that make mainstream entertainers appealing.
Upcoming projects
Keerthy’s upcoming lineup includes Sathyavan Savithiri, January 12 Vidudala, Raftaar and Rowdy Janardhana. These projects add to her slate as she continues to explore different cinematic spaces.
While details of the projects may vary, the actress’s stated approach remains consistent: she wants to take on roles that challenge her as a performer while retaining opportunities to dance, entertain and explore the broader dimensions of acting.
Her remarks also underline the importance of having the flexibility to move between contrasting kinds of cinema. Rather than treating offbeat films and commercial entertainers as opposing choices, Keerthy sees value in both.
As she continues to build her filmography, maintaining that balance could allow her to explore new characters while staying connected with the wider audience that has followed her career.