Swathishta Krishnan: From ‘Bubbly’ Roles to Playing the Protagonist’s Wife in Rakkasapuradol

After gaining recognition in Tamil cinema through films like Vikram and various web series, actress Swathishta Krishnan made her Kannada debut with Ondu Sarala Prema Kathe. She is now set to grace the Sandalwood screen for the second time in the upcoming film, Rakkasapuradol.

Subtle Yet Impactful Role
In contrast to her “young and bubbly” persona in her debut Kannada film, Swathishta takes on a more grounded role in Rakkasapuradol as the wife of protagonist Raj B. Shetty.

Speaking about her character, Swathishta shared:

“In terms of screen time, it is a small role, but it is one that evokes deep empathy. It is a brief but highly impactful performance. While I have played a police officer’s wife before, this character is entirely different. The director offered me this part after seeing my previous work. I have very few dialogues here; it’s a character that speaks through her eyes rather than words.”

Swathishta describes the film as a dark horror thriller with a unique genre feel, noting that the production quality and storytelling style mirror that of a Hollywood production.
Choosing Quality Over Screen Time
Swathishta believes the language of cinema is evolving, moving away from “fantasy worlds” filled with dream sequences and dance numbers toward more realistic storytelling.

Realism: She notes that Rakkasapuradol is deeply rooted in reality.

Selective Roles: She avoids being pigeonholed into specific archetypes. Her criteria? She must feel comfortable in the role, and it must leave a lasting impression on the audience long after they leave the theater.

Other Projects: Aside from Kannada cinema, she is currently working on a Tamil periodic drama web series set in the 1930s.

Working with Raj B. Shetty
Interestingly, Swathishta had expressed a desire to work with Raj B. Shetty while filming her first Kannada movie. That wish came true sooner than expected.
“Raj B. Shetty has a dedicated fan base and a massive market. After the success of Toby, he became a Pan-India star; even my friends in the US and Dubai were talking about that film,” she said. She spent ten days shooting for Rakkasapuradol in Kollegal and on the outskirts of Bengaluru, expressing her delight at collaborating with such a versatile actor.

Looking Ahead
Swathishta’s journey in Karnataka is just getting started. She revealed that another Kannada project is scheduled to begin filming this month. Despite receiving numerous offers, she is being highly selective. “I am at a crucial stage in my career, and I want these films to build confidence in me among filmmakers,” she concluded.