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Discover Anupria Goenka's insights on her empowering role in IIZ: Indian Institute Of Zombies and how it challenges stereotypes in cinema. Click to learn more!
GlipzoAnupria Goenka, the talented actress known for her choice of impactful roles, is back with a bang in her latest project, IIZ: Indian Institute Of Zombies. Set to hit theaters on May 15, this film promises a unique blend of horror and comedy, showcasing Anupria as an engaging professor guiding her students through a terrifying zombie outbreak.
In a candid interview with Bollywood Hungama, Anupria discussed her intriguing character, the film's quick production timeline, and the dynamics of working with a younger cast. Her role as Prof. Braganza is not only a departure from her previous performances but also a refreshing take on female empowerment in cinema.
Typically, independent films are notorious for lengthy production and release schedules. However, IIZ defies this norm, having been shot just months before its debut. Anupria expressed her surprise at the swift turnaround, saying, "Yes, we were even while shooting. Even then, the makers were discussing that they would release it in 2-3 months." The film's producers exhibited remarkable confidence, and Anupria appreciates their ability to bring this project to the audience so quickly.
While Anupria is not the sole protagonist, she plays a pivotal role guiding the ensemble cast, helping students navigate the challenges posed by the zombie crisis. "I am playing a professor who’s leading the group and helping the students around. And yes, it was very new for me also," she shared, indicating the unique nature of her character.
Interestingly, Anupria's character, Prof. Braganza, has sparked conversations among fans about its possible homage to Archana Puran Singh’s character from the classic film Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. When asked about this connection, Anupria seemed unaware, stating, "I don’t think it was a conscious decision of any sort. I just felt that Prof. Braganza fits the bill." Her character is designed to be relatable and empowering, emphasizing a friendship with her students rather than a conventional teacher-student dynamic.
This progressive portrayal aligns with Anupria’s vision of presenting women in multifaceted roles. She emphasized that, "Many times, a sexy woman becomes eye candy; very seldom do we see her as intelligent and desirable at the same time."
Despite having limited experience in the zombie genre, Anupria approached the role with curiosity. She mentioned, "I am not very fond of zombie films or horror as a genre. I did see one film, Shaun Of The Dead, as I wanted to get an idea as to what all you can do with it." This willingness to explore new genres is indicative of her growth as an actress and her determination to take on diverse challenges.
Working with directors Gaganjeet Singh and Alok Dwivedi, Anupria found the experience invigorating. Their youthful energy resonated throughout the set, making it a vibrant atmosphere. "I think one of them was from IIT. They have experienced campus life, while I have never been to college," she explained, highlighting the generational differences that added depth to the film’s dynamic. This environment allowed her to feel like a real professor, fostering camaraderie with her younger co-stars.
Anupria also acknowledged the contributions of the supporting cast, crediting their performance for enhancing the film’s authenticity. "We had such fabulous junior artists and secondary casts who play a crucial part in the narrative. They are the ones who create that atmosphere while we are reacting to them," she stated.
This film marks Anupria's first theatrical release in four years, following her last project, Mere Desh Ki. She expressed excitement about returning to the big screen and the opportunity to engage with audiences once again. With IIZ, Anupria hopes to capture the hearts of viewers while simultaneously challenging conventional portrayals of women in cinema.
Looking ahead, Anupria Goenka's career appears poised for growth as she continues to select roles that challenge the status quo. With IIZ: Indian Institute Of Zombies set to release soon, audiences can expect a blend of laughter, horror, and a fresh perspective on female empowerment. As the film approaches its premiere, fans are eager to see how Anupria's character navigates through a world filled with zombies while inspiring her students to rise above challenges.
As the film industry evolves, so do the narratives we see. Anupria's commitment to portraying strong, intelligent women is a vital part of this shift, and her upcoming role is sure to be a talking point in the conversation surrounding female representation in film.
Anupria Goenka's role in IIZ is significant as it challenges traditional stereotypes about women in horror and action genres. By showcasing a character that is both attractive and intelligent, the film aims to empower viewers and reshape how female characters are portrayed on screen.
As we anticipate the film's release, it will be interesting to see how audiences respond to this unique blend of elements that IIZ: Indian Institute Of Zombies promises.
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