Who inspired Radhika’s look?

The upcoming Kannada film Rudratandava, starring Chiranjeevi Sarja and Radhika Kumaraswamy, is a remake of the Tamil hit Pandiya Naadu. However, what stands out is the difference in the look that Radhika has opted for when compared to that sported by the lead actress in the original film. While Lakshmi Menon looked the perfect desi girl, Radhika looks traditional yet glamorous at the same time. So much so that one is reminded of Sushmita Sen in Main Hoon Na and Nayanthara in Aegan. Both these actresses played teachers in their films and, as it turns out, Radhika too plays a teacher in Rudratandava.

Director Guru Deshpande explains, "Radhika's last onscreen outing was Sweety Nanna Jodi, in which she played an ultra-modern girl. But since the Kannada film audience is used to seeing her play the traditional girl in most of her earlier films, I felt the super sexy look was a bit of a drastic change in image. In this film, she plays the role of a teacher. She looks elegant in her chiffon saris and basic makeup. While it might look similar to what Sushmita Sen and Nayanthara looked like in their films, Radhika's is a deliberate mix of tradition and glamour, which, I feel, will make her fans across the state swoon."