Content drives a film, not the cast: Sharmiela Mandre

Actress Sharmiela Mandre, who has begun shooting Dad with superstar Shivarajkumar, opens up to Bangalore Times about her first day on set, the need for stronger women’s stories in Kannada cinema, and her vision as both actor and producer.:
‘DAD IS NOT THE TYPICAL MASS ENTERTAINER’
With Shivarajkumar, Dad is on a bigger scale, but it’s not one of those larger-than-life commercial films, explains Sharmiela. “Being a thriller, the approach is different — the content is strong, and that’s what drives it. It excites me not just as an actor but also as a viewer,” she says.
‘STRONG SCRIPT CONNECTS WITH THE AUDIENCE’
Sharmiela admits that female-centric stories are still rare in Kannada cinema. “I’ve come across women-led scripts, but many didn’t excite me. I want to be part of more female-driven films. The script is everything. If the writing is strong, people will connect—whether it’s led by a man or a woman
‘IMPACTFUL ROLES ALWAYS STAND OUT’
On striking a balance between mass and meaningful cinema, Sharmiela explains, “For an actor, the choice is often a small solo film where nothing stands out, or a big-budget project with an impactful role. For me, if the role adds weight to a larger film, I’d love to do it. With the pan-India culture, people remember strong roles, no matter the screen time.”

‘GOOD WRITING IS WHAT STAYS’
As a producer, Sharmiela is equally invested in content. “I don’t want to make the usual big-scale commercial films. I’d like to start with something grounded — maybe a family drama or a fresh subject with newcomers. Today’s audience wants to be engaged from the start. Good writing is what stays, and that’s what I’m chasing — both on screen and behind it,” she says."Get the latest updates on Times of India, including reviews of the movie Coolie and War 2."