'Varudu Kaavalenu' will be released in theatres on October 29. In this interview, Naga Shaurya talks about his character, working with director Lakshmi Sowjanya, Ritu Varma, his marriage plans, future projects, and more.
It was on the day 'Chalo' released in 2018 that Lakshmi Sowjanya akka (director) came to me and told me the storyline. She is my second female director (after Nandini Reddy). I notice that female directors are a lot more patient. They are not short-tempered and manage things on set very well.
My character's name in 'Varudu Kaavalenu' is Akash. Once a man or woman reaches 30 years of age, everyone around them forces them to get married whether or not there is a suitable match. Our film explores this phenomenon and tries to present the views of 30-something men and women.
I am decent and composed in the presence of women. But with my male friends, I am 'natu'.
There is a 15-minute flashback in the movie. It has shaped up really well. I am sure the audience will connect with its emotional value. During the making of the movie, I had some doubts but when I watched the final cut, I was thoroughly convinced that 'Varudu Kaavalenu' would become a blockbuster. If I am not confident in a movie, it shows on my face, because I can't fake it. I would say that 'Varudu Kaavalenu' is a mature as well as a youthful love story.
The film is about the story of two youngsters until they reach the 'pelli peetalu' stage. It's not what happens after marriage. Youngsters have different ways of approaching a relationship. Some people go for a live-in arrangement. Others go for love marriage.
I have no immediate marriage plans. It will happen when it has to. It is pre-determined. I don't have any expectations. When I get married, I will look after my wife well, letting her have all the freedom.
I thank Bunny anna for gracing the pre-release event yesterday. His speech gave me the motivation to work even harder.
Ritu Varma is a beautiful girl who performs very well. In 'Varudu Kaavalenu', she has dubbed for her own character.
Every hero has got more flops than hits. It's an open secret. 'Aswathama' got the best openings in my career. This, despite the previous film of mine ('Nartanasala') being a flop. Yes, the film didn't do as well as I had expected. It had its misses. I am open to performance-oriented roles. But the fact is that most audience members want commercial movies. The Telugu audience balance it out by watching meaningful family movies. In the Covid era, we are doing the best in the country.
In 'Lakshya', I have four variations. Thanks to the pandemic, I am getting the space to bring out multiple variations. I can't afford to be conscious about my performance. For 'Lakshya', I had to get fitter. I had to eat green vegetables regularly. I avoided oily foods, including chicken. I almost turned a vegetarian.
Producer Naga Vamsi garu has been of great support. I was great working with him on 'Varudu Kaavalenu'. China Babu garu is another awesome producer. Thanks to their support, I got to work with both Thaman and Vishal Chandrasekhar, the music directors. Nadiya garu, who has done a commanding character in a film like 'Attarintiki Daredi', has done a lighter role in this movie. She has transformed completely and she is fabulous.
There comes a scene in the movie whose two parts were shot in 2019 and again in 2021. You won't find any variation despite the fact that there was a gap of many months.
'Lakshya' will be released in November. My film with director Anish Krishna will be released in February next. 'Phalana Abbayi Phalana Ammayi', directed by Srinivas Avasarala, has been in the making since 2018. It has become a dream project for me. I will remember it for the rest of my life. You will see me in eight different variations in the movie. The audience in the US, especially, will love it. It's a youthful entertainer. There are a few other projects in talks. With producer Mahesh Koneru passing away, I don't want to talk about the status of 'Police Vaari Heccharika'. I have plans to write a story, once again after 'Aswathama'.
