In a significant move reflecting her commitment and growing prominence in the Telugu film industry, actress Mrunal Thakur has taken on the mantle of dubbing her dialogues in Telugu for the upcoming movie ‘Family Star’. This development arrives as streaming giant Amazon Prime Video disclosed an expansive lineup of 43 new titles, which includes the film headlined by Thakur alongside leading man Vijay Deverakonda.
Stepping into the Telugu film circuit with a bang, Mrunal Thakur has already captured hearts with acclaimed performances in the romantic war film ‘Sita Ramam’ in 2022 and the familial drama ‘Hi Nanna’ in 2023. Now, she embarks on a new challenge—lending her voice to her character in ‘Family Star’, marking a first in her Telugu film journey. Thakur recently began the dubbing process in Hyderabad and is slated to complete this task by the end of the month.
Behind the scenes, the insistence on authenticity in the actor’s portrayal comes from the director of the romantic drama himself, Parasuram. His recommendation was grounded in Thakur’s proficiency in Telugu, a language she has been earnestly learning since 2020. A source close to the production shared insights into this decision, stating, “Parasuram wanted it to be authentic, and hence, insisted that she dub for her character. She was fluent with her dialogues on set. So, he was confident that her diction and dialogue delivery would be smooth. He will be there to guide her throughout the dubbing sessions.”
For Mrunal Thakur, the transition to using her voice feels like a natural progression. This evolution is part of a tacit covenant with her audience who have warmly embraced her performances, “I’ve had two major successes [in the Telugu film industry] in the past two years, and I can no longer shy away from the challenge of going the whole way. Not using my own voice [is not an option] anymore. Audiences are relating to me now, and they deserve that I show up fully for them. I’m grateful to the director for giving me this opportunity to showcase my linguistic abilities,” says the actor, with an air of gratitude and responsibility.
The commendable decision to undertake dubbing in a language that is not one’s mother tongue is reflective of Thakur’s dedication to her craft and to the Telugu audience. It highlights her efforts to bring authenticity to her roles, which in turn strengthens the viewers’ connection to her characters. Thakur’s commitment has broader implications; it sets a precedent for non-native actors, showing that with determination, it is possible to bridge linguistic barriers and enrich one’s performance.
As she works assiduously behind the microphone, one can foresee the growth of a bond between Thakur and the Telugu film audience. This dedication to voice dubbing does not just enhance the fidelity of her on-screen depiction but also resonates with the fans who seek to experience performances that are whole and unfiltered through the lens of another’s voice.
‘My voice is essential in expressing the emotions and nuances of the character,’ Thakur might argue, stressing the gravity of every inflection and intonation that comes with dubbing. It seems clear that she is not just content with making fleeting appearances in Telugu cinema but is earnestly striving to plant her roots deeply within its rich narrative soil.
As ‘Family Star’ gears up for release, observers and fans alike will be keen to hear Mrunal Thakur in a new avatar. Her learning curve has been steep, but acclimating to the tonalities of the language has been a challenge she has risen to with aplomb. This step is not just about adding another feather to her cap; it is about respect for the art form and for the audience that has come to admire her dedication and talent.
The announcement from Amazon Prime Video not only primes the stage for the premiere of ‘Family Star’ but also underscores Mrunal Thakur’s growth as an artist who transcends linguistic boundaries. Her venture into Telugu dubbing could very well foretell a trend wherein actors immerse themselves more holistically into their roles, regardless of linguistic origins, ultimately enriching the cinematic tapestry with more genuine and heartfelt performances.
