Shruti Haasan on how violent films like Salaar impact viewers: ‘I advocate knowing what you are watching’

“I feel that cinema and music, there are different kinds of TV shows, different kinds of books, some depict violence, some don’t. Yes, I am a mental health advocate and the biggest thing I would advocate for is knowing what you are watching,” says the actor.

She further explained, “A teaser for a film is like a disclaimer of content. It’s to know whether you are ready to watch that content. That discretion has to lie with the viewer and that does fall under the ability to judge one’s own mental state of mind. Some people enjoy fast-paced action or thrillers, some people are triggered by emotional drama. So, it’s really up to the viewer’s discretion.”

Shruti plays the role of Aadya in Salaar and says that her character “kind of goes into the Khansaar world, which is not a world she expected to find and that’s really interesting.” The actor also revealed that her character is pivotal to the story and especially to Deva (Prabhas) character.

Shruti had three releases this year including Waltair Veerayya, Veera Simha Reddy and Salaar. She recently announced her next Telugu venture Dacoit, which will also release in Hindi.

In the title reveal video of Dacoit, Shruti is seen holding a gun, in a post-war scenario, where she encounters Adivi Sesh’s character. The two seem to have a history together.

Talking about the film and working with Sesh, Shruti says, “Working with Adivi Sesh is really fun, the whole team of Dacoit is fantastic. Our director Shaneil, our producer Supriya, everyone is creative and super collaborative. So the whole experience has been fun and it is also very inspiring to see someone like Adivi Sesh create something. He really kind of puts focus, and effort in pieces of art he believes in and it’s not easy. He sticks to what he believes in.”