Venkatesh Venkatesh AKA Victory Venkatesh among his fans, when debuted as a hero, had everything at his disposal as if destined into the career; father Dr. D. Rama Naidu who was by then an established producer, elder brother D.Suresh Babu who was also into movie production. However, he made it to the top by working hard in his own style.

Victory Venkatesh had a friendly chat with indiaglitz.com on a special occasion. Here, we share the excerpts with our netizens.

Tell us about your latest ‘Krishnam Vande Jagathgurum’

The script work is going on. It will take some more time to finish it. Until, we have a complete and bound script, I can’t say anything on this.

I feel it is not right to start working on a film without a complete bound script. Film is a business where lots of people are involved and lots of money is being invested. Sometimes, it may even pass off without it. But, I feel at one level or the other a perfect script is needed, because there might be a factor that gets you struck in the way of making. For the sake of good or bad, it should be practiced and made a habit.

How far are you satisfied with Chinthakayala Ravi?

It is a simple comedy entertainer. I liked working on the sets of this film which was a rather good experience. I am very much satisfied with ‘Chinthakayala Ravi’.

We did face a problem with the drop in the ticket rates (earlier there was a facility to increase the ticket price for the first few weeks of screening), cause the movie got released during that time. Further, good quality pirated CDs were available in the market from the very 2nd day of release which is one inevitable issue.

But, I am glad that ‘Chinthakayala Ravi’ was made on a reasonable budget. So, even if the profits were down, the project crossed the safe mark without incurring a loss. If it was a high budget movie, then it would have faced a considerable loss.

The government has reconsidered to allow the hike on ticket prices. Even after it’s increased, the piracy problem is intact? What do you suggest?

I think this time it is reasonable. The proposed hike in prices should be welcomed and a good move. But, if you don’t plan the budget reasonably to cut the costs where ever possible, and go on to invest crores into the business; even the hike will be proportionately less to bring in a profit for the makers.

Basically, the film should give a feel to the audience, that it is best to watch it in theatres than at home in a pirated disc. That will solve half of this problem. Even, if they watch it at home, or in a bus during a journey in a CD, they would sure like to watch it atleast once again in theatres. If movies are made in such a way, it would help this issue.

In the present scenario where popular stars are demanding high remuneration, do you think it is possible to down size the budget of a reputed hero’s film?

I think I am the most reasonable actor, you can say this probably after checking my accounts. While choosing the kind of films, subject, backdrop etc., I look for possible ways to control the budget. If the film is not suitable to my kind of budget, I will say no, I don’t want to be a part of it. I never take any advance for my films, I get it after seven months or one year, and this will save the interest part on the investment.

I don’t say this is the way to do it to control the budget, but every one should try for it and be reasonable. I am very producer oriented and respect them. They are borrowing lots of money and further undergo severe pressure and tension. Moreover, there is no security in this business. We all need to co-operate with them.

You seem to be interested in multi-star films? Have any such projects in mind?

No, right now I have no such plans. The budget has become a major constraint now for making the movies of this genre, and we need to think and take the step. Multi-star films require even more care to make it a hit. So, it is not feasible presently.

Your nephew Nagchaithanya has debuted to filmdom. What way do you support him?

He has to focus on glamour quotient and also he has a lot of responsibility, because of the kind of family background he is coming from. Apart from all this, he has to prove himself.

The younger generation has a good future. They have a good chance to take the Telugu industry to further heights, provided they take healthy and calculated risks. Initially, they may not be 100 percent successful, but always have the scope for experimenting with new subjects and judging themselves. My wishes are there for them, my encouragement and support will always be there, but they have to achieve everything with their sincerity and hard work.

Unlike us who had good learning experiences, the young artists now face a lot of pressure due to the fast growing needs and a tough race.

When are you going to debut Rana?

Some time in the next year.

Do you like to act with them?

Yes, with everyone. First let them settle down. If they provide me a graceful role, which requires experienced actors, sure I will encourage all the young actors. Definitely, it will be a healthy scenario for the industry.

For all this, the right time has to come. We should get a good script; they should design a character for me, and requires an able director to spark it off.

What kind of films are you planning to do next?

Honestly, I am listening to lot of scripts, but surely there will be a meaningful small film. The problem is if we disclose things before the start of a film, and not able to begin it in the said time, it will be speculated. The media exposure is also mounting the pressure and increasing the expectations on the film. Consequently, the attempts to give a rich look to the film are being done, which again affects the cost.

Why is it you celebrate you birthdays modestly?

For me every day of life is a celebration, and No, I don’t celebrate any day relating to an event or an occurrence. I just see it as a unique day but have never celebrated any particular day as special.

Your response on Mumbai assault

We did see incidents over the past few years, but this time it was big. It was some thing to watch out for; it is high time, and is not healthy for our country. Not only government but we people should also do something about this. We should do our bit and be aware of our surroundings.