Sobhita Dhulipala Reflects on Unforeseen Challenges During ‘Ponniyin Selvan’ Shoot

Sobhita Dhulipala, a name that has become synonymous with promising talent and versatility in the Indian film industry, has been carving a niche for herself since her debut in Anurag Kashyap’s “Raman Raghav 2.0” in 2016. With a portfolio that boasts 11 films and three series, her journey has been nothing short of meteoric. Her recent stellar performance in the new season of “Made in Heaven” stands as a testament to her growing prowess as an actor.

In a recent candid conversation with Film Companion, Sobhita shared some behind-the-scenes experiences from her time working on the monumental project, Mani Ratnam’s “Ponniyin Selvan”, arguably the most significant milestone in her career thus far. She delved deep into her approach to acting and the challenges she faced during the filming process.

Reflecting on her hectic schedule, Sobhita recounted a particularly gruelling period where she transitioned swiftly from the sets of “Monkey Man”, led by Dev Patel in Indonesia, to join the bustling sets of “Ponniyin Selvan” in Hyderabad. This whirlwind transition left her sleep-deprived, clocking in nearly 50 hours without rest. Despite her fatigue, she found herself immersed in an unplanned song sequence, a sudden addition to her already packed schedule.

Sobhita reminisced, “Initially, it was supposed to be a simple scene. However, amidst the chaos of rescheduling and script alterations, I was informed of a change in plans as I was en route to the set. A song sequence was added, and I was to take centre stage in a dance performance.” This unexpected turn of events brought a mix of excitement and nervousness, as she collaborated with industry giants like AR Rahman and choreographer Brinda Master under the guidance of Mani Ratnam.

Despite the initial enthusiasm, the task proved to be incredibly demanding, especially given her lack of familiarity with the Tamil language and the intricate choreography that accompanied the song. “The experience was both exhilarating and exhausting. I was hearing the song for the first time, grappling with complex dance moves, all while battling fatigue and the scorching weather. Unfortunately, despite our efforts, the sequence did not find its place in the final cut of the film,” Sobhita added, reflecting on the intense yet rewarding experience.