'Adbhutham' will stream on Hotstar from November 19. In this interview, actor Teja Sajja talks about the subject of the movie, working with director Mallik Ram and actress Shivani Rajasekhar, his future plans, and more.
This one is my third release this year, the first two being 'Zombie Reddy' and 'ISHQ'. I have been trying something new always.
'Adbhutham' first came my way in 2017. Director Mallik Ram has worked under directors like Mohankrishna Indraganti garu. The story of 'Adbhutham' is atypical and we were careful during the shooting process. It's an engrossing story with twists and turns.
During the pandemic, I completed two other movies while 'Adbhutham' was pending. After much forethought, the producers sold the movie to Hotstar for a direct OTT release. Our audiences are intelligent. Not every film of mine will be a theatrical release. Some stories are best suited for an OTT release.
'Adbhutham' was not written keeping me in mind. I listened to the story, written by Prasanth Varma garu, casually first. I then wanted to do a new-age, engaging entertainer. I evinced interest in doing the film.
You need refreshing genres to attract the audience. I would say that 'Adbhutham' is one such subject. Taking no risk is the biggest risk. I have had the opportunity to do commercial movies. But I don't want to tread the beaten path. I have to give the audience a strong reason to watch me.
Shivani Rajasekhar has acted like an experienced actor, not like a first-timer. 'Adbhutham' is predominantly a love story. The hero and the heroine end up having the same phone number. That's the premise of the movie.
My next film is going to be a pakka commercial movie with a novel subject. I have learned horse-riding, gymnastics, Kuchipudi and all. At the end of the day, I have to spot the right story if I have to attract the audience. Nobody is going to watch me even if I fight or dance heavily in a commercial movie. I am not a star for the audience to want to watch me in such roles.
'ISHQ' was a remake. The subject matter didn't work well with the audience. I have no regrets because I got to work with a prestigious banner like Super Good Films. I chose the best of the best offers that came my way. I am not totally disappointed with the response for 'ISHQ'. After it was dubbed in other languages, many people on social media gave it positive feedback.
'Hanu-Man', directed by Prasanth Varma, is a big-scale movie. About sixty percent of the movie is completed. It will be a visual treat. It's a proper commercial film. It's a pan-India film with a universal subject. I am definitely lucky to be doing the kind of films that I am doing. I overlook small failures. I have come here working hard. 'Hanu-Man' is a pan-India film but it's nowhere near what Prabhas and Allu Arjun are doing.
I am listening to subjects but I am not in haste. I am going slow. A sequel to 'Zombie Reddy' is not going to happen immediately. Prasanth Varma garu has got other commitments in the pipeline.
