Pooja Shetty, who has already made a mark with her performances in Tulu Movies, is now gearing up for an important new chapter in her career. The young actress is all set to make her debut in the Kannada and Malayalam film industry with the ambitious big-budget project Chenkol. The film, which is being simultaneously shot in Kannada and Malayalam, marks a significant step forward for Pooja as she expands her presence across South Indian cinema.
Speaking about the project, Pooja shares that Chaekol is not just another commercial film, but a deeply layered narrative rooted in the concept of reincarnation. The story unfolds across two timelines, making it both visually rich and emotionally compelling. While the first part is set in the present generation, the second part takes audiences back nearly 1000 years into the past. This dual narrative structure, she says, is what initially drew her to the script. The makers are planning to release the film in two parts, with the first installment expected to hit screens around July.
For Pooja, this film is more than just a debut and it is the realization of a long cherished dream. She reveals that she has always wanted to portray a royal character on screen, something she had often mentioned in her earlier media interactions. With Chenkol, that aspiration finally comes to life, as she steps into a role that allows her to embody grace, strength, and regality. She describes the experience as both surreal and fulfilling, adding that the character demanded a certain depth and poise that pushed her to explore new dimensions as an actor.
The recently released teaser of Chenkol: The Lost Kingdom has already begun creating a strong buzz among audiences. The teaser has received an encouraging response, with viewers praising its scale, visual richness, and intriguing storyline rooted in reincarnation and history. The glimpses from the film promise a grand cinematic experience, blending contemporary storytelling with a deep dive into an ancient era.
Starring Aryn Santosh in the lead, the film also features a diverse ensemble cast including Pooja. Manasvi, Saranya, Mahantesh, Arvind Rao, Aruna Balraj, Sundar Veena, and Nandakishore, each playing pivotal roles in bringing this expansive narrative to life. Aryn Santosh has also written the script for the film and directed it.
Interestingly, Pooja’s journey into this film was not a conventional one. By the time she came on board, the project had already begun shooting, but the team had not finalized an actor for her particular role. Aryn Santosh, who had known Pooja from their earlier association in reality shows, felt she would be the perfect fit for the character. Trusting his instinct, he reached out to her, and after discussions, she was brought into the project. Pooja recalls this as a turning point, as it not only gave her a strong role but also introduced her to a new industry.
One of the biggest challenges she faced during the shoot was the Malayalam language. Having no prior familiarity with it, she initially struggled to understand and deliver her lines. The director and team were supportive, even suggesting that she could perform her scenes in Kannada, with dubbing to be handled later. However, Pooja chose to take the more demanding route. Determined to do justice to the film’s bilingual nature, she took it upon herself to learn Malayalam, practicing her dialogues and working closely with the team to get the pronunciation right. She admits that the process was tough but incredibly rewarding, and she is particularly proud of having delivered her lines in a language that was completely new to her.
Reflecting on her journey so far, Pooja notes that she has already appeared in three Tulu films Dombraata, Ammer Polisa, and Umil, where she received appreciation for her performances. While she currently does not have any Tulu projects lined up, she remains open to returning to the industry, especially if she comes across compelling scripts. Tulu cinema, she says, will always hold a special place in her heart, as it is closely tied to her roots and early career.
With Chenkol, Pooja Shetty seems poised to reach a wider audience and establish herself as a versatile actress capable of handling complex roles across languages. Balancing ambition with dedication, she is clearly ready to embrace the challenges that come with stepping into a larger cinematic space, making her Kannada debut one to watch out for.
