Viva artist Rhen Escaño stars in the action film “Karma,” alongside Sid Lucero, Krista Miller, Paolo Paraiso, and Mon Confiado. Directed by Albert Langitan, the film is set to premiere on June 19 in cinemas nationwide, presented by Viva Films and Happy Infinite.
During the media conference held at Viva Cafe for her first-ever action lead role, Rhen Escaño, who is currently seen in the primetime series “Lumuhod Ka sa Lupa” (a co-production between Viva and TV5), opened up about the challenges and perseverance it took for her to land her role in “Karma.”
Answering questions from her manager, Aster Amoyo, a multi-faceted entertainment columnist and host, Rhen Escaño expressed her gratitude towards her co-stars Sid Lucero, Krista Miller, Paolo Paraiso, and director Albert Langitan. Their producer and assistant director also joined them for the interviews.
She said, “Thankful ako actually. Sobrang blessed na sila yung kasama ko dito. I don’t think magagawa ko lahat ng yon kung hindi sila yung mga kaeksena ko.”
Reflecting on the difficulties, she added, “Napakahirap ng mga eksena ko. Hindi ko ma-imagine kung hindi si Sid yung kasama ko, si Ate Krista, si Kuya Paolo, lahat! May mga fight scene kami lahat doon.”
She acknowledged the generosity of her co-actors, stating, “Binigay nila—very generous actors ang mga kasama ko. I don’t think mapu-pull off ko at may maibibigay ako pabalik sa kanila kung hindi rin sila nagbigay sa akin.”
Escaño also expressed her appreciation for the director, saying, “And, of course, kay Direk Albert na nagtiwala sa ‘kin na mineyk-sure niya talaga na hindi ako mapapahiya dito.”
Recalling the emotional challenges, she continued, “Kasi yun nga sabi niya, ilang beses kong iniyakan, ilang beses akong nag-give up pero nagtiwala pa rin siya sa akin na alam niyang kaya ko.”
With a sense of accomplishment, she remarked, “I think, sinimulan ko rin itong pelikulang ‘to na kahit mukhang hindi ko kaya, prepared ako, at sana makita ng mga tao yon.”
In “Karma,” Escaño plays Angel, an ace assassin scarred by her father’s murder. At eight years old, she witnessed her father’s brutal killing and grew up trying to protect the oppressed. One day, she accidentally kills a man attempting to rob a father and his child. Her godfather, the provincial kingpin “Chief,” spares her from prison and recruits her into his covert assassin organization targeting society’s dregs. However, on her latest mission, the young daughter of her target witnesses her crime. Haunted by the image of the girl, Angel learns that the man she killed was an undercover police officer, not a drug pusher. This discovery leads to more disturbing revelations about her godfather and the organization, driving her to seek justice for her father’s death.
“Karma” pairs Escaño with Sid Lucero, who plays Rommel, an ex-academician turned assassin. Rommel, recruited by Chief after a deadly gang encounter, becomes Angel’s partner, treating her like a sibling. Though efficient, Rommel dislikes the job and hopes to retire. Chief agrees to his retirement on one condition: eliminate Angel, who is now a liability.
To prepare for her role, Escaño took fight and gun training. She shared, “Nag-gun firing, so first time ko ring makahawak ng baril. Natakot ako nung time na yon… Ang weird na unang gunshot ko pa lang ta’s tinamaan ko yung… bull’s eye.”
Fans of Rhen Escaño, who first saw her as a sexy star, are in for a treat as they witness her growth as an actress in this challenging action role.
The role of Chief is played by Roi Vinzon. “Karma” also stars Krista Miller as Keana, Chief’s concubine, Paolo Paraiso, Leandro Baldemor, and Mon Confiado.
Catch Rhen Escaño in this action-packed film, “Karma,” hitting cinemas nationwide on June 19.
TATAK MNL 
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