Anu Emmanuel Rejects Commercial Films, Seeks True Acting Satisfaction

You know how sometimes you do everything right but still feel something’s missing? That’s where Anu Emmanuel seems to be in her career right now. After years of playing glamorous roles in commercial movies, she’s decided to step away from that world. At a press meet in Hyderabad for The Girlfriend, she spoke honestly about what’s been going on in her mind, and why she wants to chase something real instead of just fame.

Talking about The Girlfriend, where she played Durga, Anu said the film gave her something she hadn’t felt in a long time, actual satisfaction. The movie, directed by Rahul Ravindran and starring Rashmika Mandanna and Dheekshith Shetty, tells a story from a woman’s point of view. It’s a film that says something good about girls, she said. I even dubbed for myself to make it sound real. When I saw the film in theatres and noticed boys clapping for certain scenes, I knew it connected.

Anu didn’t shy away from admitting that some of her past movie choices were just… routine. In those films, I just danced in a few songs, said a few lines, and that’s it, she said with a small laugh. Those roles never gave me any satisfaction as an actress. I’ve decided I won’t do such films anymore.

She sounded calmer now, more at peace. I’m not the type to run behind opportunities, she said. If a story excites me, I’ll do it. Otherwise, I’m fine waiting. She’s already said yes to a new project and hinted that details will come out soon. For now, Anu’s focused on doing work that makes her happy, not just work that looks good on posters.