A glimpse into Anushka Shetty’s most symbolic performances on her birthday
Indisputably Anushka Shetty isn’t a mere actress, but a standout performer who has dominated South Indian cinema for nearly two decades. Her career is etched by bold choices, from epic warrior queens to relatable modern women. Anushka has proved her versatility that she can command the screen like few others. Her compelling roles inspire awe and connect intensely with audiences.
*‘Baahubali’
Anushka Shetty delivered a towering performance as Devasena, the fierce warrior princess and imprisoned queen. Her character embodied grace, tenacity, and unyielding strength against tyranny. Director S. S. Rajamouli’s epic franchise allowed her to shine. Devasena’s character arc is central to the entire narrative. This role cemented her status as a pan-Indian superstar.
*‘Arundhati’
The horror-fantasy film ‘Arundhati’ was a massive turning point. Anushka Shetty essayed a dual role Arundhati and her fierce ancestor, Jejamma. The Kodi Ramakrishna directorial film relied entirely on her performance. She convincingly essayed both the modern woman and the formidable ancient queen. This blockbuster showcased that she could carry an entire film and established herslf as the “Lady Superstar” of Telugu cinema.
*’Rudhramadevi’
Anushka bravely portrayed the titular role of Rudhrama Devi and played a real-life warrior queen of the Kakatiya dynasty. The historical epic required her to initially portray a prince, and she proved that she could seamlessly transition to a powerful queen, defending her kingdom. Director Gunasekhar’s vision allowed her to showcase royal demeanour and military skills.
*’Vedam’
In this acclaimed hyperlink Krish directorial Anushka portrayed Saroja, a determined young sex worker dreaming of a better life. This role was a stark departure from her glamorous image. She beautifully captured Saroja’s vulnerability and fierce ambition to escape her circumstances. The performance was raw and deeply humanising.
*‘Deiva Thirumagal’
In this AL Vijay directorial film, Anushka played the compassionate lawyer Anuradha Ragunathan who fights a challenging custody battle for an intellectually disabled man. Her role grounded the emotional story. She provided strength and resolve amidst the film’s heartache.
*‘Bhaagamathie’
In the G.Ashok directorial horror thriller, Anushka gave another dual-shaded role. She played an IAS officer, Chanchala, who gets possessed by a vengeful queen. The film is a perfect vehicle for her intense acting. Her chilling transformation into the spirit is iconic. It blended horror, mystery, and a strong political message. This kept audiences guessing until the final, shocking reveal.
‘Size Zero’
For the Prakash Kovelamudi directorial film Anushka committed fully to the part. She physically gained over 40 pounds to portray the plus-sized protagonist, Soundarya. This dedication was commendable and rarely seen. The film addresses topis of body shaming and self-acceptance. Her authentic portrayal resonated with many viewers.
*’Miss Shetty Mr Polishetty’
In this Mahesh Babu starrer Anushka returned to romantic comedy. She played Anvitha Shetty, a master chef who wants to embrace motherhood without marriage. The film explored modern concepts of single motherhood and partnership. Her pairing with Naveen Polishetty was fresh. Her performance balanced Anvitha’s professional success with her emotional needs.
News Edit KV Raman
