“WITH SIGNAL AT 11:30 RELEASING ON OCTOBER 30, MY JOURNEY TO MAKE MY PRESENCE FELT IN TAMIL CINEMA BEGINS,” SAYS ACTRESS PUJITA PONNADA

Starring Santosh Pratap, Pujita Ponnada and Bhavya Trikha Signal at 11:30 is written and directed by Malarvizhi, with music composed by D. Imman

Chennai, October 2026: Actress Pujita is looking forward to making her presence felt in the Tamil film industry with Signal at 11:30, which is scheduled to hit theatres on October 30, 2026. Featuring Santosh Pratap and Bhavya Trikha alongside Pujita Ponnada, the film is written and directed by Malarvizhi Natesan with music composed by D. Imman. The film is produced by Malarvizhi Natesan and Shivani Subramani under the banner of Alar Studios and features Munishkanth and Jayaprakash in pivotal roles.

“With Signal at 11:30 releasing on October 30, my journey to make my presence felt in the Tamil film industry begins,” says Pujita Ponnada describing the film as an important milestone in her acting career.

From Software Engineering to Cinema

Pujita’s journey into cinema was never part of a carefully planned ambition. Born in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, and raised in different cities across India, she grew up in a disciplined household where education was given the highest priority. After pursuing Computer Science Engineering in Chennai, she secured a job as a software engineer in Hyderabad.

Alongside academics and professional commitments, Pujita nurtured a passion for the arts, particularly painting and dancing. Her entry into acting happened unexpectedly when a director approached her to appear in short films. What began as an opportunity to explore something new soon opened doors to a career she had never anticipated.

One of her short films, Parichayam, caught the attention of acclaimed filmmaker Sukumar. Following an advertising opportunity, she met the filmmaker and was subsequently selected for Darshakudu, produced under Sukumar Writings. She later auditioned for and was selected for Rangasthalam, starring Ram Charan.

As acting opportunities increased, Pujita eventually decided to leave her software engineering job and pursue cinema full-time. With approximately 25 films to her credit, she continues to explore new characters and challenge herself as a performer.

Why Pujita Said Yes to Signal at 11:30

Speaking about what drew her to the film, Pujita says the fact that it was written and directed by a woman immediately caught her attention. The narration by director Malarvizhi further strengthened her interest in the project.

“I was immediately drawn to the fact that Signal at 11:30 was written by a woman and directed by a woman. I believe a woman director can bring a thoughtful perspective to female characters, giving them emotional depth, individuality and a nuanced portrayal on screen. When Malarvizhi mam narrated the story, she explained the character so vividly that I could almost visualise the scenes unfolding. Usually, I take time to reflect before committing to a script, even when I like it. But with Signal at 11:30, it was an immediate yes,” she says.

Pujita believes the character offered her something different from her previous work, while the director’s clarity of vision gave her confidence in the film.

Overcoming a Fear on the Sets

One of Pujita’s most memorable experiences during the filming of Signal at 11:30 was performing a car-chase sequence. Although she is genuinely afraid of driving, the scene required her to drive while being chased by goons.

“The thought of driving in a chase sequence was intimidating because driving is something I am genuinely afraid of in real life. Malarvizhi mam’s reassurance and support helped me gather the confidence to do it. We shot the sequence at midnight, when traffic was lighter. I thought I would have overcome my biggest challenge once that night’s shoot was completed, but we had to return for additional shots on different days! Eventually, what began as a frightening experience became one of my favourite memories from the film,” she recalls.

For Pujita, the experience was a reminder that people often discover capabilities they never knew they possessed when circumstances push them beyond their comfort zones.

A Romantic Story Set Against a Picturesque Backdrop

The romantic portions of Signal at 11:30 were filmed against the breathtaking backdrop of a hill station. Pujita says the scenic locations and cinematography contribute significantly to the film’s visual appeal, creating an atmosphere that complements its love story.

She also speaks warmly about working with co-star Santosh Pratap, describing him as a talented and natural performer who made her feel comfortable on set. Their scenes developed organically, allowing the chemistry between their characters to emerge naturally.

The film also brought Pujita together with Bhavya Trikha, whom she had previously worked with in an advertisement many years ago. Reconnecting on the sets of Signal at 11:30 was a pleasant experience for Pujita .

A New Chapter in Her Career

For someone whose journey into cinema began by chance, acting has become much more than a profession. Pujita views every project as an opportunity to learn, discover new dimensions of herself and grow as a performer.

Outside cinema, she enjoys reading, travelling, listening to stories, attending concerts and live shows, exploring new cafés and restaurants, and watching sunsets. A self-confessed foodie, she enjoys discovering new culinary experiences. She is also an ardent admirer of actor Suriya, whom she has considered her favourite Tamil actor for years.

With Signal at 11:30 set to release in theatres on October 30, pujita hopes the film will connect with audiences and mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter in her journey in Tamil cinema.

Film Details

* Film: Signal at 11:30
* Release Date: October 30, 2026
* Cast: Santosh Pratap, Pujita Ponnada , Bhavya Trikha, Munishkanth and Jayaprakash
* Written and Directed by: Malarvizhi Natesan
Music.  D Imman
Produced by: Malarvizhi Natesan and Shivani Subramani.
Signal at 11:30 releases in theatres on October 30, 2026.