Radhikka Madan, known for her unconventional roles, is currently celebrating the success of her latest film, Sarfira, where she stars alongside Akshay Kumar. The film, a remake of the Tamil hit Soorarai Pottru featuring Suriya and Aparna Balamurali, was directed by the same filmmaker. Radhikka’s portrayal of Rani in Sarfira, a character that seems to mirror her fiery off-screen persona, has received acclaim. In an exclusive interview with Filmfare, she shares her experiences working on the film and with Akshay Kumar.     Have you seen Soorarai Pottru?  Yes, I did! Suriya and Aparna Balamurali did a fantastic job. Initially, I thought about not watching it and just doing my own version. But then I wondered if I should portray it similarly or try something different. That’s why I watched it, and Aparna was phenomenal. I realized that mimicking her wouldn’t work for me because her portrayal was authentic to her. So, I sought to bring a unique flavor to Rani. Although the essence of the role is the same, I aimed to offer something fresh and step out of my comfort zone    How do you handle comparisons with Soorarai Pottru?  Our goal was to reach as many people as possible. Sarfira was shot differently, and while the story of Captain Gopinath remains the same, the performance of the same scenes felt distinct due to the new cast. I consulted with people around me, and they felt that Sarfira presented a different experience. Both films are exceptional in their own ways, and Sarfira holds its own.     Did you interact with the Gopinath family and the Sarfira cast?  Yes, they were very emotional after the screening. We had lunch with them a day before the release, and it was a beautiful experience. I spoke with his wife about the bakery and how it’s doing. They showed remarkable resilience and drive, and it was meaningful to celebrate a part of their lives with them.     Akshay Kumar praised you during promotions. How was working with him?  Working with Akshay sir was a joy. He’s exceptional both as a person and an actor. He didn’t carry a superstar attitude, which made me feel at ease and allowed me to perform comfortably. He makes everything look effortless, but there’s a lot of hard work and experience behind it. I learned a lot from him, particularly his professionalism and how he treats everyone with respect. These experiences are ones I’ll cherish.     Were you immediately on board to play Rani, or did it require some persuasion?  I was instantly on board after reading the script. I loved Rani's character, and she came to me at a time when I had just finished filming Sanaa, which had left me in a dark mental space. Rani was a breath of fresh air, reminding me of who I was and bringing me back to my true self. It was an easy decision to take on the role.  Did you expect Rani to receive such a strong reception?  We always strive to find truth in our characters. I enjoyed playing Rani and embraced her fieriness, clarity, and ambition. However, I didn’t anticipate such a strong reception, which has been overwhelming. This kind of appreciation motivates me to work even harder on future projects.