Cinema has room for the patient and consistent: Sanjana Tiwari

After being part of high-profile projects like Vijay’s Varisu and Ravi Mohan’s Iraivan, Sanjana Tiwari recently appeared in Hotspot 2 Much, the sequel to Vignesh Karthick’s Hot Spot (2024).

Talking about how the film came her way, Sanjana says, “I’ve known Vignesh sir for a while. We had spoken about collaborating earlier for another project. When he narrated this project, the character immediately stood out. I could genuinely connect with her. By the end of the narration, I knew this was a role I wanted to explore.” She describes her character in the film as “confident, opinionated and someone who isn’t afraid to question what she disagrees with”.

About taking time to work on her next project (both Varisu and Iraivan were released in 2023), Sanjana shares, “After Varisu and Iraivan , I took some time. I wanted to be mindful of the kind of projects I did next. I made sure I didn’t rush into choices thatdidn’t feel right for where I wanted to head as an actor. I’m focused on making choices that would enable me to grow as an actor.”

Ask Sanjana what it’s like being an up-and-coming actress, and she shares, “The industry today is definitely competitive, but it’s also evolving. There’s space for individuality and honest work if you’re patient and consistent. I’m learning that it’s not about how fast you move but how steadily you build. And I’m very comfortable with that pace.” She also expresses concern over the increasing misuse of AI. “It’s concerning and uncomfortable. What concerns me is how AI images are easily mistaken for real ones. You can’t figure out what’s real and what’s not,” she shares, adding, “It’s about identity and consent. AI has its benefits, and we’re evolving with it. However, people have to be responsible in how they use these tools. Otherwise, it leads to serious misuse.”

‘I’m glad that scene encouraged people to talk, question and reflect’A scene from Hot Spot 2 Much , featuring Sanjana and Thambi Ramaiah, who played her dad’s character, in which the two disagree over her clothing, drew criticism from a section of the audience for allegedly glorifying mansplaining and misogynistic views. Talking about it, the actress shares, “Society always mirrors itself, and it isn’t always politically perfect and comfortable. The fact that the scene sparked debate shows that it touched a nerve. I believe conversations like these are very necessary for any kind of progress. As an actor, my job was to portray my character’s journey honestly, and I’m glad it encouraged people to talk, question and reflect.”
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