Actor Avantika made her first appearance at the South by Southwest Film & TV Festival in Austin, Texas, to promote her new ballet-themed action film Pretty Lethal. The film co-stars Uma Thurman, Maddie Ziegler, and Iris Apatow. She described the experience as a dream for any movie-lover.
The South by Southwest (SXSW) festival drew actors and filmmakers to Austin, where Avantika promoted Pretty Lethal, her first film at a festival. 'This is my first film at a festival, ever,' she told Vogue, 'and for any movie-lover, it’s nothing short of a dream to be in an environment like SXSW—let alone have a release here.' Friends including co-star Jack Martin from her upcoming show NSWF and best friend Joshua Colley also attended with their projects, alongside opportunities for good food and excursions. Upon arrival, Avantika took a karaoke cab and sang an off-key version of 'Valerie'. She then joined a press day in a black and white Wiederhoeft dress, alongside co-stars Uma Thurman, Maddie Ziegler, Iris Apatow, Millicent Simmonds, and Lana Condor. Avantika called Pretty Lethal 'a bloody ballet action thriller featuring the most badass cast of women,' involving a plot where the Hungarian mafia hunts feisty ballerinas. She trained in ballet bootcamp and filmed in Budapest. The premiere occurred at the historic Paramount Theatre, where Avantika wore a pink peplum gown with a matching chapeau by Erik Charlotte, styled by Katie Qian, with makeup by Robert Bryan and hair by Davey Matthews. The sold-out screening drew gasps, laughs, and tears from the audience. Afterward, she attended the after-party at The Betty cocktail lounge in a beaded lilac PatBo dress. Avantika also visited the Austin Rodeo, enjoying fair games, barrel racing, a turkey leg, Tex-Mex, and chats with locals. Next, she anticipates a New York screening and press for Mindy Kaling’s Not Suitable for Work, which she leads.
