Joining the Kantara universe has been thrilling; and a little daunting: Rukmini Vasanth

Time of India

21 hours ago

The news sent ripples through social media:
Rukmini Vasanth
is part of Kantara: Chapter 1. For an actress whose star has been steadily rising, this was, in her words, 'a dream come true'. We caught up with Rukmini in her first interview after the big reveal to hear, straight from her, what it feels like to land a role in one of the most anticipated films on the horizon.
Excerpts:
I consciously avoided letting the brilliance and success of the Kantara weigh me down. Instead of thinking about matching or surpassing it with this prequel, I approached this as its own story
- Rukmini Vasanth
'The moment my role was confirmed, I wanted to shout it from the rooftops'
Rukmini reveals that she was approached for Kantara: Chapter 1 early last year. 'That's when I first met
Rishab Shetty
sir, and he shared the story with me. When he asked if I'd like to be part of the project, it genuinely felt like a dream come true. Ever since Sapta Sagaradaache Ello released, Rishab sir had been incredibly kind to me and appreciative of my craft. Honestly, the moment it was confirmed, I wanted to shout it from the rooftops.
It felt both thrilling and a little daunting — a responsibility as much as a dream. I knew these things had to be announced at the right time, so I held on to it as my own little secret.
When people kept asking me when my next Kannada film was coming, I'd smile and think, 'Just wait… It's coming.' Now that it's finally out in the open, all the excitement from everyone feels incredibly rewarding,' she says.
This film builds on the first — expanding the world, deepening it, and making it richer
- Rukmini Vasanth
'The thrill of doing something new keeps me going'
Rukmini made a mark with her performance in her second film, Sapta Sagaradache Ello.
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Now, as she straddles multiple film industries, she tells us, 'It's been beautiful to receive this kind of affirmation so early in my career.' Ask her what drives her choices, she says, 'Honestly, it's about excitement. Sometimes it's the team that inspires me, sometimes it's the story, and often it's the opportunity to grow through the process.
At the heart of it, it's the thrill of learning & doing something new that keeps me going.'
'I consciously avoided letting the success of the first Kantara film weigh me down'
And what about the expectations that come with a burgeoning fanbase - especially as she steps into the Kantara universe? Rukmini says, 'There's more appreciation than pressure. People simply want to see you give your all and they respond to honesty and effort.'
She notes, 'As for the fan base of Kantara and the world it created, I consciously avoided letting the brilliance and success weigh me down. That kind of pressure can keep you from fully inhabiting the new world the film is building.
Instead of thinking about matching or surpassing it, I approached this as its own story. Everyone on set seemed to wear the earlier success lightly, focusing instead on extending that universe with more nuance.
'
What I value most about working with Rishab sir is how deeply involved he is — how much he's right there in the trenches with you, facing every challenge together
- Rukmini Vasanth
'People approach work with the same passion across industries'
Transitioning between film industries often presents unique challenges, but for Rukmini, the primary adjustment has been linguistic. She explains, 'The main thing I've had to adapt to is language. I'm more comfortable in Kannada, so working in other languages just means putting in a little extra prep — especially with dialogue.
Once that's done, the process feels the same everywhere, because no matter the industry, people approach their work with the same passion and commitment.
'
'It's only in film that you can experiment; if it doesn't land, there's always another take'
From her debut film to now, Rukmini describes her approach as 'a bit of a patchwork — drawing from different influences and experiences'. 'Some of it comes from theatre in school, some from drama school, and a lot from observing people I've worked with on my first, second, and third films.
If I see something that works for someone else, I often try to adapt it into my own process. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't — but that's the beauty of film: you can experiment, and worst-case scenario, it's just another take.
If there's been one real evolution, it's that I'm no longer as scared. I find it easier now to go all out in a performance because I know that even if it doesn't land, we can always try again. That freedom has been incredibly liberating,' she says.
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