Shilpa Shirodkar is making a powerful comeback to the silver screen after a 13-year hiatus, stepping into the role of Shobha in the upcoming pan-Indian supernatural thriller, "Jatadhara". Zee Studios unveiled the first look of the veteran actress in a poster that has since gone viral, showcasing her in a never-before-seen avatar.
The poster reveals Shirodkar draped in a black saree, seated before a sacred fire pit adorned with skulls and ritualistic offerings, immediately establishing a strong and mystical atmosphere. Her intense and solemn expression perfectly complements the film's supernatural and spiritual tone, hinting at a character driven by an insatiable hunger for power. The poster is captioned with the ominous line, "She isn't just driven by greed, she defines it,". This suggests Shobha's ambition transcends ordinary desire, morphing into a darker, tantric transformation.
"Jatadhara" delves into the supernatural mythos surrounding the Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple, weaving together religious lore, mysticism, and twisted ambition. Shobha isn't portrayed as a typical antagonist; her journey explores occult practices and temple secrets, fusing history with horror. This role marks a full-force reintroduction of Shirodkar to cinema, and she appears to be embracing it with zeal.
Directed by Umesh KR Bansal, known for "Fateh", "Jatadhara" boasts a star-studded cast including Sonakshi Sinha and Sudheer Babu. Sinha reportedly underwent a significant transformation, losing 30 kg for the role, while Babu adds star power from the Telugu industry. Divya Khossla Kumar is also a part of the cast. The film promises to reinterpret Indian mythology through a dark, modern lens, blending high-impact visuals, mythic storytelling, and intense performances into a compelling narrative of cosmic conflict.
Shirodkar, sister of Namrata Shirodkar (Mahesh Babu's wife), was a prominent figure in Bollywood in the 90s, starring in major hits like "Aankhen", "Gopi Kishen", "Khuda Gawah", and "Hum". After a sabbatical of nearly 15 years, "Jatadhara" marks her return to the cinematic world.
"Jatadhara" is produced by Umesh Kumar Bansal, Prerna Arora, and their teams under the banner of Zee Studios and Prerna Arora Productions. The film's music is by Zee Music Company, with creative direction by Divya Vijay. The project also benefits from the support of Shivin Narang, Nikhil Nanda, Aruna Agarwal, Shilpa Singhal, Akshay Kejriwal, and Kussum Arora. The teaser for "Jatadhara" has already generated significant buzz, promising a unique cinematic journey. The film is tentatively scheduled for release in late 2025.
