CHANDNI SHAH TALKS ROAD WARS: MAX FURY
"Was a future that I was expected to follow"
Daniel John
This is a story of two sisters that have to leave the safety of their outpost to cross the ruthless dangers of a postapocalyptic world to save their mother, armed with only sisterhood and a muscle car. What was it that drew you to the wasteland of 'Road Wars: Max Fury'?
I was immediately drawn to the idea of exploring the emotional-resilience and grit required to survive such a brutal world. While there's an intensity to the themes within this movie, at its core, it’s really about the bond between two sisters trying to keep each other safe in unimaginable circumstances. That dynamic, of love and survival, mixed with high-stakes action, felt like an incredible opportunity to dig deep into character while also pushing myself, physically and creatively.
I've had a The Asylum-producer on before, who shared some really interesting insights into the process of their productions. Fair to say speed is not exclusive to the 'Road Wars' franchise?
The Asylum is definitely known for its fast-paced productions. The turnaround time from casting to shooting was very quick, it forced me to dive right in, which was both thrilling and challenging. But that urgency became a sort of asset, I think. It pushed me to make quick, instinctive choices, and that sense of spontaneity added to Naomi’s raw, survival-driven nature, in a strange way the time crunch really suited the energy of the character and the world she was living in.
Was there anything you wanted to make sure was conveyed, whether in Naomi alone, or in the link between her and Greta, as they drive through the desert together?
As someone with an older brother I wanted to capture that unique sibling bond, the blend of rivalry and deep rooted loyalty. Naomi is the younger sister who admires Greta but also feels frustrated by her protective, sometimes strict nature. I wanted to show that even when Greta’s tough on her, Naomi knows it’s out of love. It’s that dynamic that felt so real to me, siblings can drive each other bonkers, but there’s an unbreakable connection beneath it all, so even in the moments of conflict there’s a constant reminder that they’re stronger together.
The first 'Road Wars'-film was a mockbuster releasing alongside the high-octane action of 'Mad Max: Fury Road'. This film has little to do with it, spinning off into its own thing, but it does speak some for the odd beginnings things can have. What did your start acting look like?
My start in acting was definitely unconventional. Growing up, pursuing an acting career was the opposite as normal for my family, and there was a future that I was expected to follow with a more traditional path, breaking away from that was not easy, I felt like I had to justify my decision, every step of the way. But once I took that leap, I knew this was the only path that felt right. Each role, no matter how small, was a chance to grow. And even with all the challenges the experience has been completely worth it.
You didn't grow up feeling like art was a real possibility?
Not at first, it felt more like a dream than something I could seriously pursue. But once I dipped my toe in this world of entertainment, there was no going back. This was my first feature, and looking back, I can see how much I’ve improved since shooting, but I know I still have so much to learn. Being on set taught me so much about the craft and the industry, and it only made me more excited for what is to come. Each experience brings new growth, and I can’t wait to see where this path takes me next.
On the subject of things coming from unexpected places, you got to play "Indian Barbie" in one of last year’s biggest cinematic phenomena, if not the biggest, Greta Gerwig’s 'Barbie'. That must have been a very memorable experience?
It was incredible! Being on the set for a film of that scale was unforgettable. The level of dedication from every single crew member was inspiring, everyone worked so hard to bring this massive vision to life. Even in the smallest moments, you could feel the energy and the excitement on set. It gave me a new appreciation for the collaborative nature of filmmaking, and fueled my hunger to keep pushing myself, learning, and growing in this industry.
This film takes us all the way into year 2050 and if we follow that timeline for a moment, what kind of a career do you hope to be able to look back on, by then?
Action certainly seems like a good fit I have to say, any film that features action and stage combat is always a blast! By 2050, I want to have built a career that shows the full range of my abilities. While I’m drawn to action roles, especially those where I can dive into complex characters with physicality and emotional depth I also want to take on challenging roles that explore the intricacies of human nature. I dream of playing characters who are morally gray, who make tough decisions and face the consequences or women in leadership positions who are redefining strength. I also have a huge desire to step into roles that allow me to explore historical and cultural narratives, giving voice to underrepresented stories. Above all, I want to look back and know I took risks, told powerful stories, and contributed something meaningful to the screen.
