Last Updated:
Kushboo Sundar reflects on her role in Annaatthe, revealing disappointment over unfulfilled promises and creative changes.
Superstar Rajinikanth with Kushboo Sundar. (Image: Kushboo/Instagram)
Actor Kushboo Sundar recently opened up about her regrets regarding her role in the 2021 Rajinikanth-starrer Annaatthe. Directed by Siva, the film, which also featured Meena and Nayanthara in key roles, failed to meet box office expectations. Kushboo, who played a significant role in the film, shared her disappointment over how her character was altered during production, deviating from what was initially promised.
In an interview with Vickey Lalwani, Kushboo candidly spoke about her decision to take up Annaatthe. When asked if there were any films she wished she had declined, she admitted, “A recent example is the movie that I did with Rajinikanth sir. The role didn’t turn out like it was sold to me. Eventually, there was no (on-screen) pairing with Rajini sir for me.”
Kushboo elaborated on the expectations set at the beginning of the project. “The film featured Meena and me, and it was initially conveyed that we would both be like heroines. I accepted the project believing that there would be no other actor paired opposite Rajini sir and that we would be there throughout. It was a very happy-go-lucky, comical and fun-loving role,” she revealed. However, things changed as the production progressed.
“But then, as the project progressed, Rajini sir suddenly got a heroine and a character was pushed into it. Then I felt… I became a caricaturish character. After I saw the film while dubbing it, I was very disappointed,” Kushboo said. The actress confirmed that Nayanthara, who eventually played Rajinikanth’s love interest in the movie, was added to the project at a later stage.
Addressing speculation about whether the decision was influenced by Rajinikanth, Kushboo firmly dismissed the idea. “He is not a person like that. I have known him for many years. I don’t know what exactly happened; maybe the fans demanded it or if the director and producer felt like getting a new heroine,” she stated. She also revealed that her and Meena’s characters initially had separate duet songs with Rajinikanth. “Maybe it was later decided that there should be a proper pairing,” Kushboo concluded.
