It’s important to have characters like Radha from Peter in films: Janvi Rayala

With the Kannada film Peter set to release on April 10, doctor-actor Janvi Rayala is looking forward to audiences discovering a story that blends simplicity with suspense. Directed by Sukesh Shetty, the film features Janvi as Radha — a character she describes as simple yet pivotal.“Janvi believes characters like Radha reflect a larger shift in storytelling. "When Sukesh narrated Radha’s role, she seemed like a simple, next-door woman who moves to a rural area as a PT teacher. But she brings a crucial twist to the plot. Earlier, women didn’t have much impact on the narrative. Today, every plot includes women in strong roles, reflecting a sense of equality,” she says, drawing from her own experience as a dentist. “Now, the work speaks. If you’re capable, you can handle anything — whether you’re a woman or a man,” she adds.Preparing for Radha required restraint rather than transformation. “Growing up, I had observed women in rural areas. Additionally, Sukesh would enact scenes and guide me, and I would interpret them in my own way. He kept telling me to control my expressions and let my eyes do the talking. That made the performance very subtle,” she explains.Shot in Bhagamandala near Coorg, the film’s setting plays a crucial role in shaping its narrative. “This is where the Kaveri originates. It’s lush, always raining, and incredibly beautiful. The nativity here deeply influences both the character and the story," she says. The 20-day shoot, she adds, felt less like work and more like an escape. “You wake up, head to the shoot, and along the way you see orange trees, pick fruits… It brings so much positivity. For me, it didn’t feel like work — I simply loved acting,” she says. Janvi is confident Peter will leave a lasting impression. “People often say there are no good Kannada films, but Peter is undoubtedly a theatrical experience. It keeps you on the edge of your seat, guessing what happens next. It’s for all audiences, and I’m sure they’ll walk away with a lingering hangover of the characters,” she adds.