Anushka Shetty Early work and success (2005–2008):
Anushka Shetty’s early work and success from 2005 to 2008 laid a strong foundation for her illustrious career in the South Indian film industry. Here are some key highlights from that period:
Debut and Initial Success:
Anushka made her acting debut in the Telugu film “Super” (2005), directed by Puri Jagannadh. Her performance earned her a nomination for the Filmfare Best Supporting Actress – Telugu.
She followed this with another successful film, “Mahanandi” (2005), which helped establish her as a promising actress in the industry.
Breakthrough Role:
Her breakthrough came with the film “Vikramarkudu” (2006), directed by S. S. Rajamouli. The film was a major commercial success and significantly boosted her popularity.
Versatility and Range:
Anushka showcased her versatility with roles in various genres. In 2007, she starred in the action film “Lakshyam,” which was well-received.
She also appeared in the horror film “Arundhati” (2009), where her performance was highly acclaimed, earning her several awards, including the Nandi Special Jury Award and the Filmfare Best Actress Award.
Tamil Film Industry:
Anushka made her Tamil debut with the film “Rendu” (2006), opposite R. Madhavan. Her performance was appreciated, and she began to gain recognition in the Tamil film industry as well.
Continued Success:
Between 2005 and 2008, Anushka continued to deliver successful films, including “Don” (2007) and “Souryam” (2008). Her consistent performances and choice of diverse roles helped her build a strong fan base.
Anushka Shetty Experimental roles and stardom (2009–2010):
Anushka Shetty’s career from 2009 to 2010 was marked by experimental roles and a rise to stardom. Here are some key highlights from this period:
“Arundhati” (2009):
Anushka’s portrayal of the titular character in the fantasy horror film “Arundhati” was a game-changer. Her performance was widely acclaimed, earning her several awards, including the Nandi Special Jury Award and the Filmfare Best Actress Award. The film was a massive commercial success and solidified her status as a leading actress.
“Billa” (2009):
In the Telugu remake of the Tamil film “Billa,” Anushka played the role of Maya, showcasing her versatility. The film was well-received, and her glamorous avatar was appreciated by audiences.
“Vedam” (2010):
Anushka took on a challenging role in the anthology film “Vedam,” directed by Krish. She played the character of Saroja, a prostitute, and her performance was praised for its depth and authenticity. The film won several awards, and Anushka received the Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Telugu.
“Panchakshari” (2010):
In this supernatural drama, Anushka played dual roles, further demonstrating her acting range. The film was a commercial success and added to her growing list of accolades.
“Singam” (2010):
Anushka starred opposite Suriya in the Tamil action film “Singam,” directed by Hari. The film was a blockbuster hit, and her role as Kavya Mahalingam was well-received. This film significantly boosted her popularity in the Tamil film industry.
Anushka Shetty Commercial struggles (2011–2013):
Mixed Success:
Anushka appeared in several films during this period, but not all of them were commercially successful. Movies like “Ragada” (2010) and “Damarukam” (2012) received mixed reviews and did not perform as well as expected at the box office.
“Thaandavam” (2012):
In this Tamil action thriller, Anushka played the role of Meenakshi, a visually impaired musician. Despite her commendable performance, the film received mixed reviews and had an average run at the box office.
“Alex Pandian” (2013):
This Tamil action-comedy film, where Anushka starred opposite Karthi, was a commercial disappointment. Both audiences and critics were not impressed by the film.
“Irandaam Ulagam” (2013):
Directed by Selvaraghavan, this Tamil fantasy film featured Anushka in a dual role. Although her performance was appreciated, the film did not achieve commercial success.
Continued Efforts:
Despite the commercial setbacks, Anushka remained committed to her career and continued to take on challenging roles. Her dedication to her craft and willingness to experiment with different genres kept her in the public eye.
Anushka Shetty Baahubali and beyond (2014–2017):
“Baahubali: The Beginning” (2015):
Anushka played the role of Devasena, a warrior princess, in this epic historical fiction film directed by S. S. Rajamouli. Her performance was widely acclaimed, and the film became a massive commercial success, breaking numerous box office records.
“Rudhramadevi” (2015):
In this historical drama, Anushka portrayed the titular character, Queen Rudhramadevi. Her powerful performance earned her the Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Telugu. The film was praised for its storytelling and Anushka’s portrayal of the warrior queen.
“Size Zero” (2015):
Anushka took on a challenging role in this romantic comedy, where she played an overweight woman. She underwent a significant physical transformation for the role, gaining weight to portray her character authentically. The film received positive reviews for its message and Anushka’s dedication.
“Baahubali 2: The Conclusion” (2017):
Reprising her role as Devasena, Anushka delivered a stellar performance in the sequel, which continued the story of the first film. “Baahubali 2” became one of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time and received widespread acclaim for its visual effects, storytelling, and performances.
Impact and Recognition:
The success of the “Baahubali” series catapulted Anushka to international fame. Her portrayal of Devasena became iconic, and she received numerous awards and accolades for her performance. The films also solidified her status as one of the top actresses in the Indian film industry.
This period was a significant milestone in Anushka Shetty’s career, showcasing her versatility and dedication to her craft.
Anushka Shetty Continued career and success (2018–present):
“Bhaagamathie” (2018):
Anushka played the lead role in this horror-thriller film, where she portrayed Chanchala, an IAS officer who gets possessed by a spirit. The film was a box office success, with her performance being particularly praised.
“Nishabdham” (2020):
In this thriller film, Anushka played the role of Sakshi, a mute artist. The film was released on Amazon Prime Video and received mixed reviews, but Anushka’s performance was appreciated.
“Silence” (2020):
The Telugu version of “Nishabdham” was titled “Silence.” Anushka’s portrayal of a mute artist in this bilingual film showcased her versatility and dedication to her roles.
Upcoming Projects:
Anushka has been selective about her projects, focusing on quality over quantity. She is set to star in several upcoming films, including a yet-to-be-titled project directed by Mahesh P. Shetty.
Recognition and Awards:
Throughout this period, Anushka has continued to receive recognition for her contributions to the film industry. She remains one of the most respected and admired actresses in South Indian cinema.
Philanthropy and Personal Life:
Anushka continues to be involved in various charitable activities and remains a private person, keeping her personal life away from the public eye.
Awards:
Filmfare Awards:
Her role in “Arundhati” (2009) earned her the Best Supporting Actress – Telugu accolade.
Best Actress – Telugu for “Vedam” (2010)
Best Actress – Telugu for “Rudhramadevi” (2015)
Nandi Awards:
Special Jury Award for “Arundhati” (2009)
Best Actress for “Size Zero” (2015)
CineMAA Awards:
Best Actress – Telugu for “Arundhati” (2009)
Best Actress – Telugu for “Vedam” (2010)
Santosham Film Awards:
Best Actress for “Arundhati” (2009)
Best Actress for “Vedam” (2010)
South Indian International Movie Awards (SIIMA):
Best Actress – Telugu for “Rudhramadevi” (2015)
Best Actress – Telugu for “Baahubali: The Beginning” (2015)
Tamil Nadu State Film Awards:
Best Actress for “Deiva Thirumagal” (2011)
IIFA Utsavam Awards:
Best Actress – Telugu for “Baahubali: The Beginning” (2015)