Mumbai – Veteran actor Shishir Sharma, set to grace the screen in the upcoming culinary fantasy thriller “Rasa”, believes that storytelling in Indian cinema transcends regional boundaries. In an exclusive chat with IANS, Sharma addressed the growing narrative that Bollywood is learning new storytelling techniques from the South Indian film industry.
“It’s not about the North or South. The essence of filmmaking is universal,” said Sharma. “What really matters is the filmmaker’s clarity of vision. Whether you’re from the South, North, or anywhere else, it doesn’t matter. A director like Rituja, who knew exactly what she wanted, makes the process seamless. If a filmmaker has a clear vision, they can create something amazing.”
Sharma, known for his powerful and nuanced performances, was instantly drawn to “Rasa”, directed by Rituja Jayaraj and co-written by Angith Jayaraj and Preetish Jayaraj. He said the strength of the script left no room for hesitation.
“After reading the script, I knew I had to be part of this film—no matter what. Even if there were date or schedule issues, I was ready to make adjustments. The script was just too strong, especially from an actor’s perspective,” he shared.
In the film, Sharma portrays Anant Nair, a legendary yet enigmatic culinary artist whose story unfolds through a blend of mystery, emotion, and fantasy.
“It’s an incredibly rare and powerful character. Carrying the weight of the film was a responsibility I embraced,” he said. “It’s not exactly a psychological thriller—it’s more of a fantasy thriller. The film dives deep into emotions, and uniquely, those emotions are expressed through food.”
Touching on the film’s distinct tone, he added, “If you’ve seen the trailer, you’ll feel that fantastical vibe. There are some supernatural elements, yes—but they’re not overpowering. I don’t want to reveal too much, because where’s the fun in that?”
“Rasa”, which also stars Rishi Bissa, Vishishtha Chawla, and Rajiv Kumar, is slated for a theatrical release on July 25.
