Priya Vadlamani Opens Up: “Missing Color Photo Still Hurts Me”
Color Photo, the surprise OTT blockbuster of 2020, is still remembered for its raw emotions, rooted storytelling, and powerful performances. But did you know a different actress was almost cast as the female lead before Chandini Chowdary came on board?
Telugu actress Priya Vadlamani, best known for her role in Hushaaru, recently revealed in an interview that missing out on Color Photo is one of her biggest regrets in her career so far.
Color Photo—A Game-Changer in Telugu OTT
Released directly on OTT, Color Photo, starring Suhas and Chandini Chowdary and directed by Sandeep Raj, took the Telugu industry by storm. Backed by producers Sai Rajesh and Benny Muppaneni, the film told a touching story set in 1990s Machilipatnam and explored themes of love, caste, and social injustice. It not only won the audience’s hearts but also received the National Award for Best Feature Film in Telugu.
Priya Vadlamani’s Missed Chance
In a candid revelation, Priya shared that she was offered the role of the female lead in Color Photo early in her career. But due to a lack of proper guidance and family apprehensions about her suitability for a rural girl’s role, she turned it down.
“I didn’t have a mentor then, and my family felt I wouldn’t suit the role of a village girl. Looking back, I realize how impactful the film turned out to be. I still feel sad about missing Color Photo,” Priya admitted.
Priya debuted with Rain Check in 2018 and gained popularity with Hushaaru, which gave her decent recognition among youth audiences. However, Color Photo could have been her breakout role, much like it was for Suhas and Chandini.
The What-If Moment
While Chandini Chowdary delivered a memorable performance that received both critical and audience acclaim, it’s always interesting to reflect on the what-if scenarios in cinema. Priya Vadlamani’s missed opportunity adds a layer of emotion and regret behind the scenes of what many consider a modern classic.
