Currently working on her Hindi debut film which is based on the story of freedom fighter Neera Arya, actor-turned-director Roopa Iyer appears to have firsthand experience of being in the midst of a battle. The narrative of Neera required extensive research, and navigating through the casting process and working with a predominantly male team who sometimes underestimated a female director's instructions posed its own set of challenges for Roopa. Her journey with this project has been a profound learning experience, particularly in overcoming obstacles related to gender dynamics.

In a recent conversation, Roopa expressed, "Neera's narrative is truly inspiring and deserves to be shared." Neera served in the Jhansi regiment of the Indian National Army, led by Subhas Chandra Bose. Bose affectionately referred to the women in the regiment as "Rani" as he believed in their inherent strength and bravery. These women, who sacrificed their familial and societal duties to serve their nation, were seen as exemplars of leadership. Roopa's decision to bring Neera's story to the screen stemmed from the character's unwavering dedication, including her act of sacrificing her husband to protect Bose. This sacrifice leads to her imprisonment and enduring physical torture, including the loss of her breasts, as a testament to her unwavering loyalty to Bose. While the film is not a strict biography and features some fictional elements, it is a reflection of the creative freedom filmmakers enjoy in storytelling.

Regarding the casting process, Roopa mentioned the significant challenges she faced, especially given her background in the South. Reaching out to potential actors proved to be a hurdle, with many initially unresponsive to her messages. Assistance from a senior journalist in Mumbai was instrumental in establishing connections with suitable candidates. Securing the actor to portray Neera's husband was particularly arduous.Playing a sort of villain, I am happy to have Priyanshu Chatterjee taking on this role. After auditions for Netaji’s role, we chose Shreyas Talpade because we felt he resembles Netaji. Suresh Oberoi plays Neera’s father in the film. The production was a necessity, as the film carries a patriotic theme that is relevant on a national scale. It tells the inspiring story of a woman who faced challenges and lived to share her journey. It is a tale that should reach everyone, hence the decision to make it in Hindi. Though I have a good grasp of Hindi due to my studies, language hesitations can still arise from lack of regular practice.

It's disheartening to observe the lack of professionalism in various departments of the Kannada film industry. Despite the success of Kannada films at a national level, there is a concerning lack of professionalism at the grassroots level. Many individuals in different roles within the industry – such as make-up, costumes, art, and lighting – lack proper training, leading to inefficiencies on set and increased production costs. The film chamber and department heads should ensure that individuals are adequately trained before being assigned tasks. Just as a police officer needs training before going into the field, individuals in the film industry should also be equipped with the necessary skills. It is common for untrained individuals, often based on nepotism or entitlement, to be placed in crucial roles, reducing the efficiency of film production. In an era where filmmaking costs should be decreasing due to advanced technology, such practices hinder the industry's future growth.The growth of our industry is hindered by the lackadaisical approach of some individuals towards their responsibilities. In my role as a director, I strive to provide guidance and assistance to our team members. However, when their work ethic is disregarded, it becomes a challenging and exasperating struggle.