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Regina Cassandra, who plays a mysterious character in Ajith Kumar’s upcoming film Vidaamuyarchi, opens up about her experience on the sets with the superstar and her take on Bollywood.
Regina Cassandra will soon be seen in Ajith Kumar’s Vidaamuyarchi.
Regina Cassandra doesn’t mince words. From admitting to be a bit sad about the delay of the much-anticipated Ajith Kumar’s Vidaamuyarchi, which has her in a supporting role, to being blunt about Bollywood’s reception of South Indian actress to not wanting Maanagaram to be part of Lokesh Kanagaraj’s universe, Regina speaks her heart out. In a long chat with CNN-News 18 Showsha, the actress opens up about working with Ajith Kumar, and Magizh Thirumeni, the need for actors to promote them proactively, and more.
Here are some excerpts from the interview:
Let’s start with your role in Vidaamuyarchi. Can you tell us about the role and her name?
Well, I can’t reveal the name just yet, but what I can say is that she is a fun-loving character who thrives on new experiences and challenges. She is quite the force to reckon with. There’s an element of mystery to her—something that will keep the audience guessing.
There’s a moment in the trailer when you smile in a way that leaves people wondering — is your character negative?
That’s exactly what I want! I love it when the audience comes to the theatre with a question mark—”Is she good? Is she bad? Or is she one of us?” Keeping that ambiguity is exciting. Even the dialogue, “Women like her shouldn’t live,” has left people wondering if I’m threatening Ajith Sir’s character. The constant questioning is a win for me.
Did director Magizh Thirumeni tell you why he chose you for the role?
It’s an interesting story! I went in for a narration for a different character. But somewhere along the way, he decided I’d be perfect for this role. Things like this have not happened very often in my life. But when they happen, then you believe in luck. You feel like you were in the right place at the right time. He told me he was very confident that I could pull this character off. And I think that confidence helped.
When Vidaamuyarchi was announced, some people doubted whether Magizh Thirumeni could handle a big superstar film. Were we in the wrong to doubt him?
I can’t tell you if you’re wrong or right in doubting. I don’t know why you would doubt it in the first place. But rightfully so. Any director who’s doing something for the first time… And that too when you have a superstar like Ajith Kumar on board… it would be a question mark, right? Like, is he going to live up to it or not? But I can tell you one thing. Having seen Magizh Sir’’s work, he’s someone who can handle something like this well. He can definitely handle a big film of this calibre pretty well. He’s a very very sorted human being.
What was it like working with Ajith Kumar? Has his approach to cinema changed over time?
Ajith sir is a passionate person—whether it’s cinema, biking, or racing. When he talks about his journey, you realize he’s someone who has always pushed boundaries. He always says this one thing, especially about his racing now, “If not now, then when?” And that’s so nice, right? Because, you know, you see someone who’s done so much in their lives, but still wants to experiment with life and roles rather than sticking to a safe formula. Not many actors, especially male stars, take that risk. That’s something I truly admire. He is a workaholic. If he gives you a commitment, he sticks to it. It’s not about how important or not important you are in his life. I like that work ethic. I think he takes on too much, but that’s my personal opinion.
Does it bother you when a film gets delayed?
I have films that haven’t seen the light of day yet, so delays don’t affect me much! Of course, I feel sad when a project is held up, but I’ve learned to detach myself. Once I’ve done my part, it’s out of my hands.
You’re now part of Bollywood as well. Tell us about the projects.
One is about investment fraud: Section 108, with Nawazuddin Siddiqui. And the other one is called Jaat, with Sunny Deol. Gopichand Malini is directing Jaat. Again, it’s a Telugu director and Hindi canvas. It’s an out-and-out commercial film. You can expect every ounce of it with splashing blood, punches, kicks and action everywhere. And there’s another Hindi film that I’m doing. I’m hoping that I can talk about it soon enough.
How welcoming is Bollywood of South actors?
Now, they don’t have a choice. Before… pretty snooty. If they knew that you were from the South. Mainly, I don’t know if it was because language was a barrier. But for me, it never was, so. And I don’t look like a South Indian. I don’t know if all of these things worked in my favour. But I think now it’s just become, like, they need people from the South, especially after the pandemic hit. They needed actors from the South for a bigger audience.
Lokesh Kanagaraj directed you in his debut, Maanagaram. Did you ever think that he’s going to be the superstar director?
To this extent, no. It was a pleasant surprise. But he always had this in him to push the boundaries. And he was a very soft person. He was I wouldn’t say scared, but I still remember the Lokesh in the van narrating a scene to me. Today, the Lokesh that I see, there’s so much of a difference in the way he carries himself… the confidence. Throughout my entire career, I have seen directors and actors and everyone grow leaps and bounds. And I think Lokesh’s growth has been one thing that I’ve enjoyed watching.
Do you wish Managaram to become a part of LCU?
No. Not that I’m saying that it shouldn’t be a part of LCU, but only because you asked this question, I’m even saying this. I’m really happy that Maanagaram has its own little niche, its own little place. And I’m so happy that that is where Lokesh started. I mean, it’s my film at the end of the day. Not that it’s a bad thing if it’s a part of LCU or anything like that, but just the fact that it’s different, and it’s something that he could say he started with.
