'Shriya has brought her character to life in Chandra

I am extremely happy and lucky that she agreed immediately. She is a dedicated actress.

After the shoot, she would go to learn Kalari. She would personally check her costumes and hairstyle. She gave hundred per cent to the character.

She took two days to read up on me. I had done a film on a humanitarian issue and that proved to be a clincher for her.

How challenging was it to be the costume designer, producer and director, being a woman?

I wrote two songs and also did the choreography for three songs. I had to handle 120 people on a set.

Men don’t like a woman to raise her voice. I had to control big artistes and others. It was difficult. I worked on this film passionately as it was my dream project.