In the past four years, Tara Sutaria admits she has been looking for stories that align with her ideas. Apurva could well be the first film to tick that box. Nikhil Nagesh Bhat’s 24-hour survival drama sees Sutaria as the titular character, who fights assailants after they abduct her from a bus. To her, it’s the story of “a Durga inside every woman.” “Women possess an innate strength that comes out in the face of adversity. No woman should have to go through this, but as an actor, this role is a privilege,” begins the actor.

After forgettable films in Marjaavaan (2019) and Ek Villain Returns (2022), Sutaria is excited to headline a project. She knows how rare the opportunity is in Bollywood that churns out testosterone-driven films. “There are so many hero-centric films but women-oriented films are rare. I’m glad the film chose me. I’ve learnt the hard way that if your film doesn’t work, people won’t accept you. I don’t have a Godfather, and in this industry, some guidance always helps. That said, every time I took advice, it backfired. So, I’m left to go with my gut feeling.”