'Shiva will be the biggest commercial film this year'

Ragini Dwivedi, runner-up of the South Femina Miss India contest in 2009, has become one of the busiest actresses in Kannada cinema.

She has made Bangalore her home and has completed 15 Kannada films in a short span of three years. She even manages to converse in Kannada with ease.

Ragini's stock in the Kannada film world went up after she did Kempegowda opposite Sudeep. She became a household name for dancing to the chartbuster number Thuppa Beka Thuppa from the film Kalla Malla Sulla.

Ragini plays a Christian girl in Shiva opposite Shivarajkumar. The film will hit the screens on August 24.

In an interview with Srikanth Srinivasa, Ragini talks about the movie and the action scenes.

What is Shiva all about?

Shiva will be the biggest commercial film this year. It is a complete entertainer and people will completely flip watching the film.

My role is one of the most exciting one I have ever played. It is an experimental role. It shows different shades when people don't expect it.

I worked on every aspect of the film -- looks, my hair, make-up and my clothes -- to make me look like a Christian girl.

I got a helping hand from the producers and makers.

What stunts and action sequences did you do in this movie?

I have participated in the chase sequences. I have driven a bike in the movie which should excite my fans. The climax fight, where I even tote a gun, was really exciting.

Who inspired you to do the action sequences?

Actually all the actors, my co-stars, encouraged and supported me to do the action scenes. When I watched them do all the fabulous stunts, I always thought when will I get a chance to do action sequences?

Finally, when producer K Manju sir and director Anand P Raju came up to me with the Ragini IPS script, I was super excited.

Is this movie a precursor to Ragini IPS where you are doing some realistic fight sequences?

No. There is no connection as such. Here I do just one per cent of the stunt scenes that people will get to see in Ragini IPS.

How was it to work with Shivarajkumar and director Omprakash Rao, who is said to be a taskmaster on the sets?

Both of them were fabulous. Shivanna is a fabulous co-star and Omprakash Rao is a wonderful filmmaker. Every actress should work with this director as they will get to know their potential and how they can actually look.

It has been reported that you are planning to take a break for a few months because of the rigorous schedules and because the action sequences have taken a toll on your body?

Yes, I am planning to take a break very soon because I think every actor should as it's really important to come back fresh and rejuvenated.

I have been shooting continuously for a long time. As far as the action sequences are concerned, they were rigorous but amazing fun.