I’ve always been drawn to directing: Harshika

Actress and new mommy Harshika Poonacha is set to get back to films, but this time as a director. Harshika and her team announced the Kannada film Chi. Sowjanya, will mark her debut as a director. Driven by a desire to tell impactful stories, Harshika explains “Bhuvan Ponnannaa (actor and her husband) and I have had this plan of me getting into direction ever since we started our production house. When we had first discussed it too, I had mentioned that I did not see myself directing a love story or an action-oriented film. As a woman, I want to be able to bring forth stories that do their bit for the cause of women."

She adds, “When the story of Chi. Sowjanya came up, I felt this was a subject through which I could help seek some kind of justice for women who are victims of sexual abuse and murder. It is not a story that is based on any one particular case, but it is a story that touches upon the lives of so many women and their families who have been victims. Every time we hear of such incidents, we ask ourselves why are such things happening and whether there is anything we can do to do our bit to stop it.”
Harshika explains, “I recall the after effects of people watching Dr Rajkumar-starrer Bangarada Manushya. It came out when farmers were looked down upon and people had wanted to move out of villages and get themselves a job in the city or even abroad. But after that film came out, the way people looked at farmers changed, such was the impact of that role and that film. I do not consider myself anywhere close to what Dr Rajkumar did, but I do hope my film will bring about a positive change in society.” Of the challenges of gearing up to be a working mom, Harshika tells us, “This is a story that is plaguing me right now. And if not now, then when will I take it up and make the difference I hope to make. I have a great support system back home and my daughter, will also accompany me on the set. I know it is a challenge to get back to work in a brand-new role and that too for a film that is as heavy as what I am directing, but I am all up for it.”