She says the story goes beyond romance and speaks to women negotiating several relationships and responsibilities. “The film represents an entire woman. Do women find love? Yes, but you have to just find yourself.”
That freedom extended to her appearance and performance. “As a female actor, everything should look prim and proper; even an acne matters to that level of perfection. But here, I was carefree. I have actually lived the character.”
Sharing the screen with co-stars, Nirup Bhandari and Pruthvi Ambaar, was another part of that experience. “The pillars of strength were my co-actors. The space and freedom they gave me, and how we discussed things after each shot, made a difference. I hope that collaboration is seen.”
Working with Nagathihalli Chandrashekar also meant adapting to a filmmaker who, she feels, understands emotion without rushing it. “There are very few directors who can handle emotion on screen. He is not rash about it. Family audiences will get connected.”
For Shanvi, America America 2 is not a calculated comeback. It is a film she believes came at the right time, with the right people and the right story. “There is never a right and wrong. The film that touches people’s emotions is the right film. It depends on person to person,” she concludes.