National Award-winning actress Keerthy Suresh has opened up about the differences between working in Bollywood and the South Indian film industry. Having established herself as a prominent performer in Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam cinema, the actress is now exploring more opportunities in Hindi entertainment. During a recent interaction with IANS, Keerthy discussed how the working styles of the two industries differ, particularly when it comes to preparation before filming.
While Bollywood places considerable importance on pre-production, script readings and actor preparation, Keerthy described the working process in South Indian cinema as comparatively more spontaneous. Interestingly, she clarified that she enjoys both approaches and appreciates the different experiences they offer.
Her comments came during the promotions of her Hindi project Akka, in which she shares the screen with actress Radhika Apte. The conversation offered an insight into how an actor adapts to different filmmaking environments while working across languages and industries.
Keerthy Suresh Says Bollywood Focuses More on Pre-Production
Explaining the difference between the two industries, Keerthy said that Bollywood productions generally invest significant time in preparation before the cameras begin rolling.
This preparation can include script-reading sessions, actor training, meetings between co-stars and discussions about their respective characters. Such interactions help performers understand the story, establish their relationships on screen and prepare for the requirements of their roles.
Speaking to IANS, Keerthy explained, “It’s a very different process altogether. Like script readings and the prep work, everything that goes here. There’s a lot of time that we spend in pre-production in terms of training the actors, interacting with them, meeting all the other actors, whereas in South it’s more spontaneous. I kind of like both.”
Her observation highlights how Hindi film productions often create opportunities for actors to become familiar with one another before filming starts. This can be particularly useful for projects involving complicated characters, emotionally demanding scenes or large ensembles.
However, Keerthy did not suggest that one approach was better than the other. Instead, she expressed appreciation for the working methods of both industries.
South Cinema Has a More Spontaneous Working Style
Keerthy further explained that South Indian film productions can sometimes involve less preparation before the actual shooting schedule begins.
She recalled instances when she met important co-stars for the first time directly on the sets, sometimes on the very day a particular scene was scheduled to be filmed.
According to her, actors in South cinema often adapt to the circumstances on set and build their on-screen chemistry while working together.
She explained that extensive preparation is still undertaken when a particular character or project demands it. However, many productions follow a relatively spontaneous process.
Keerthy added, “So there it’s very spontaneous. There’s not much prep work unless and until it’s a very particular kind of character where you need a lot of effort. Most of the things are spontaneous. Sometimes I’ve met other actors or other important co-actors on set, probably that day of the shoot. So I kind of like working on both.”
Her comments offer an interesting perspective on the practical differences actors experience when moving between film industries. While preparation can help establish familiarity and clarity before filming, spontaneity can also create opportunities for natural performances and unexpected creative moments.
Keerthy Suresh Talks About Working With Radhika Apte in Akka
During the same interaction, Keerthy also discussed her experience of working with Radhika Apte in Akka. The crime-thriller drama is backed by YRF Entertainment and directed by Dharmaraj Shetty.
The project features Keerthy as Bhavani, a strong-willed woman determined to protect her legacy. Radhika Apte plays Rudra, whose character brings a different perspective and energy to the story.
Speaking about Bhavani, Keerthy described her as a woman who understands what she stands for and is prepared to go to great lengths to protect what matters to her. However, she also pointed out that the character's strength and authority come with difficult choices.
Keerthy praised her experience of sharing screen space with Radhika, explaining that the contrasting personalities of Bhavani and Rudra add another layer of tension to the narrative.
She described working with the actress as an amazing experience and said their characters bring different energies to the story.
The series also features Tanvi Azmi, Mahesh Manjrekar, Anshuman Pushkar and Monica Panwar in important roles. Its period setting and crime-driven storyline place women at the centre of the narrative.
Keerthy Suresh's Journey From South Cinema to Bollywood
Keerthy Suresh has built a successful career across several South Indian film industries. She received widespread recognition for portraying legendary actress Savitri in the biographical drama Mahanati (2018). Her performance earned her the National Film Award for Best Actress and established her as one of the most acclaimed performers of her generation.
Over the years, she has appeared in films across Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam cinema, including Geethaanjali, Saani Kaayidham and Dasara.
Although she had been interested in exploring Hindi cinema, her Bollywood debut took time to materialise. She eventually made her Hindi film debut with Varun Dhawan's action thriller Baby John in 2024.
In an earlier interview, Keerthy revealed that she had been expected to begin shooting for a Hindi film in 2018, but the project did not work out for her. She explained that she wanted to wait for an opportunity that felt right rather than enter the industry simply for the sake of making a Bollywood debut.
She has also spoken about balancing projects across different languages and expressed interest in exploring more diverse roles.
Keerthy Wants to Explore Different Kinds of Roles
For Keerthy, working in different film industries is an opportunity to experience varied storytelling styles and collaborate with new creative teams. Her comments suggest that she does not view Bollywood and South cinema as competing spaces but as industries with their own working cultures.
The actress is also keen to balance commercial entertainers with projects that give her opportunities to deliver performance-oriented roles.
With projects such as Akka and her other Hindi film commitments, Keerthy is gradually expanding her presence beyond South Indian cinema.
Her latest remarks have offered audiences a glimpse into the filmmaking processes she has experienced. While Bollywood's structured preparation and South cinema's spontaneous working style may differ, Keerthy believes both have their own advantages—and she is happy to be part of both worlds.
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