Rukmini Vasanth on Kantara Chapter 1: ‘Many of my scenes with Rishab Shetty were complex, but he was always right there — guiding and performing’

Sometime in early 2024, I received a call from an unknown number from a gentleman speaking fluent Tamil. He said: “My name is Prashant. I’m an aspiring actor hoping to find opportunities in films. You’re working with so many amazing directors, could you please help me get a role in a film?” Unsure about how to respond, I started explaining as politely as I could about casting calls as well as reaching out to writers and directors. I suddenly heard this deep, unmistakable laugh from the other end — and that’s when he said: “Rukmini, this is Rishab speaking.” I almost screamed. I was thrown off because his Tamil was so fluent. That’s how Rishab sir tricked me before inviting me for the narration of Kantara: Chapter 1.

You feature in several action sequences in the film. What kind of preparation did that require?

For Kantara, the learning curve was steeper than anything I’d done before. I had to train in horse riding, sword fighting, and quite a bit of action choreography—all essential for portraying a warrior princess from the 4th century CE. It was an amazing experience working with our fight masters; I realised that even something that seems as simple as learning how to fall safely, especially when you’re doing it over multiple takes, is actually an art in itself.

Almost all of our locations were real, not sets. This made the experience both challenging and fulfilling. One day in particular we drove for nearly an hour-and-a-half just to reach the base point of a location. From there, after getting into full costume, makeup, and jewellery, we had to trek for another hour through rugged terrain to finally reach the shoot location. Imagine an entire team—actors, light boys carrying equipment, production members with chai and breakfast—all trekking together. It was tough, but it reflected the spirit of teamwork that went into this film’s making.

What were your thoughts when you were cast in Kantara: Chapter 1, after the massive success of Kantara (2022)?

It was an amalgamation of so many emotions when I was cast in the film. Initially, there was absolute euphoria — that feeling stayed with me through the entire process of making the film, promoting it, and now, seeing the audience’s response post-release. Once the initial excitement settled, a bit of nervousness set in too. I knew I was joining a team that was reuniting — a group that already had a wonderful rapport and rhythm. I hoped to find my own space within that and to contribute meaningfully to the collective vision everyone was working towards. The entire team helped me find my footing and made me feel like part of the family.

Rukmini Vasanth as Princess Kanakavathi in Kantara: Chapter 1.

How was the experience of working with Rishab Shetty, who is both the lead actor and director?

Rishab sir is not just the actor and director — he’s also the writer, which means he’s constantly balancing multiple roles at once. Watching him manage all that with such focus and dedication was truly inspiring. He’s extremely supportive. Many of our scenes were complex and physically demanding, but he was always right there — guiding, performing, and never asking anyone to do something he wouldn’t do himself. That kind of leadership gives you immense confidence as an actor.

You acted opposite Rakshit Shetty in the 2023 releases Sapta Saagaradaache Ello – Side A and Side B. The role of Priya seems to be an author-backed one.

Those two films mean the world to me. They made me feel truly validated as a performer for the first time. They gave me friends and mentors in director Hemanth M. Rao and Rakshit — people who guided me gently without ever dictating how I should work. My approach to Priya involved long conversations with Hemanth, who’s a deeply sensitive and nuanced writer. That guidance helped me understand every layer of her emotional world. I also journaled extensively — writing about what Priya might be feeling before each scene, what she knows, and how she reacts to the people and circumstances around her. These two films were like an acting laboratory for me.

Also Read | Kantara Chapter 1 movie review: Rishab Shetty crafts a visual world far beyond expectations, but pays for it with the action drama’s soul

Being an army kid, what prompted you to study at RADA, London?

I was drawn to performance, dance, and the stage — that’s the legacy of my mother. So being on stage was something that came naturally and was always encouraged at home. As for my father’s army background, I’m not sure it directly influenced my love for acting, but it did instill discipline and focus, which have definitely helped me in my work.

I chose to study at RADA because many Indian institutions at that time required a bachelor’s degree, and I wanted to study acting right after school. I was also curious about different cultures of performance and acting methodologies. I knew that if I wanted to study Shakespeare, Anton Chekhov, or realism, the UK would offer the ideal training ground.

You debuted in 2019 and have already built an impressive filmography. How would you sum up your journey so far?

I’ve always kept a journal since my drama school days. I write during every project — about the challenges, doubts, lessons, and little triumphs. Sometimes I revisit those entries, especially from the tougher times. It reminds me of how far I’ve come and how much I’ve grown.

How do you select your projects?

There’s no set formula, really. The story has always been my North Star — that, and my character’s place within it. The people I get to work with also matter a great deal. I love projects that push me to learn something new.