“It shook me”: Abhignya Vuthaluru on playing PC Meena in ‘Viraataapalem’

With a gripping story and a strong performance, Viraataapalem: PC Meena Reporting could turn out to be one of Abhignya’s most memorable projects yet.

Hyderabad: Actor Abhignya Vuthaluru, known for her impactful performances in Geetha Subramanyam 3, Miss Perfect, and popular YouTube channel Girl Formula, is now ready to take on a serious and intense character in ZEE5’s upcoming Telugu series Viraataapalem: PC Meena Reporting.

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The show, which starts streaming on June 27, is set in a village surrounded by superstition and fear. Abhignya plays Meena, a strong-willed constable trying to solve a string of mysterious deaths. “I was thrilled when I first heard the script. It’s not every day that you get a chance to lead a show with such a powerful storyline,” she shared in an exclusive interview with Telangana Today.

To prepare for the role, Abhignya spent time working on her dialect, expressions, and body language. “The character of Meena is rooted in reality. She’s bold, focused, and emotional. I even created a background for her that wasn’t mentioned in the script. I had to make her feel real,” she said.

The series blends different genres, folklore, mystery, and drama. “It has many layers. Personally, I would call it a mystery thriller. That’s what excited me the most,” she added.

One of the most emotional scenes for Abhignya was filming a moment where Meena witnesses a bride’s death. “We shot that in Ramoji Film City. I was excited to be there, but the scene shook me. It made me realise how close I felt to Meena as a person.”

She believes the role has helped her grow as an actor. “I try to give my best to everything I do. With Meena, I feel I’ve learned a lot, and I’m still learning every day.”

On a lighter note, she recalled a fun moment from the sets. “I love music and kept sharing ideas with the director. One day, he jokingly said, ‘You become the AD and music director. I’ll take a break!’ The whole set burst out laughing. It was such a friendly environment.”

When asked what she wants the audience to take away from the show, she said, “Sometimes, blindly following beliefs can stop us from being kind. Viraataapalem is about questioning those ideas and bringing change. I hope people connect with that.”

She also teased the final episode: “Don’t miss it. It has a big twist that even I’m excited to see!”

Abhignya is now working on a new series titled Melbourne Panchayati for ETV Win. “It’s a rom-com and very different from Viraataapalem. I’m really enjoying it,” she shared.

With a gripping story and a strong performance, Viraataapalem: PC Meena Reporting could turn out to be one of Abhignya’s most memorable projects yet.