The boxer in Ritika Singh is making way for the actress. She’s understanding that most Tamil films are nothing like her debut film, Irudhi Suttru , in which she could “wake up, wash my face, and hit the sets in fifteen minutes tops”. There is now more emphasis on looking “presentable”. She’s playing a ‘good journalist’ in Aandavan Kattalai , a role that’s as different from Madhi (her character in Irudhi Suttru ) as can be. She identifies herself more with Madhi. “But I can look feminine too.” She coyly runs her fingers through her hair. “See what I mean?”
Though she played a tomboy in IrudhiSuttru , most Tamil filmmakers have approached her with only “girly girl” roles. She’s rejected them all. She says Sudha Kongara, the director of Irudhi Suttru , and Madhavan, her first co-star, have created in her a love for meaningful roles.
“In fact, it was Sudha ma’am who suggested that I do Aandavan Kattalai , directed by Manikandan.” While Ritika has watched the director’s debut, Kaaka Muttai , she hasn’t caught Kuttrame Thandanai yet. “I’ve heard great things about it, and thank god for the opportunity to work with him.” Getting to act with Vijay Sethupathi was just the icing. “I’d have signed the film regardless of who the hero was.”
She is aware of Vijay Sethupathi’s star status though. “I’m slowly learning about the who’s who of Tamil cinema. It’s a bit hard for me since I live in Mumbai.” There are reports that she’s been approached for Ajith’s next. Surely, she knows who Ajith is? She laughs. “Of course, and yes, I have been approached, but nothing has been finalised.”
Aandavan Kattalai helped Ritika evolve as an actress. “While I knew all my lines well in advance when shooting for Irudhi Suttru , it wasn’t the same here. Sometimes, dialogues were written just before the shots!” So unnerving was this that she broke down at least once. “I was worried that I was disappointing Manikandan, but he told me to take it easy.”
She’s also doing P. Vasu’s comeback film, Shivalinga , starring Raghava Lawrence—an evident step in the direction of commercial cinema. “Director Vasu doesn’t like how sharp my features are,” she says. “He’s also constantly telling me not to kick-box, as he’s worried about damage to my face. I have never paid much attention to my face. But now, I’m making a conscious effort to remember to take care of it.” At least for P. Vasu’s sake? She laughs. “I guess.”
