Sumanth's 'Gowri' was a box office hit a few years ago. Then came a classic in the form of 'Godavari' which was a runaway success. Now he is back to recreate the 'G' magic at the box office with his 'Golconda High School' a movie based on sports. A new genre for Telugu cinema aka 'Chak De India', Sumanth's look with a french beard, as an ambitious cricket coach in the film has earned rave reviews from the industry. Slated to release this Sankranti, 'GHS' will lock horns with big buck films like 'Paramaveera Chakra'. A confident Sumanth is sure this Sankranti will accomodate more hits than one.

"Sankranti is the best release time for any film.It is one season which can handle more than one good film as they have four days off and people usually shell out this season. Besides, this sports based inspirational story is a new genre to Telugu cinema which has a bankable curiosity factor too.It is a story which has a spirit of 'Tare Zameen par' which is fresh to our audience.I am confident it will click" he says with a glint of exuberance in his eyes.

Sumanth and reel load of kids acting in this movie, underwent a rigorous cricket training at Jayasimha cricket academy to get the shots right.An ardent follower of basket ball and football tournaments world wide,Sumanth is glad he is a part of a movie that has a sports backdrop.

"Movies and sports are my two biggest passions and I am happy this movie clubs both.The story of this film is from the novel ' The Men within' written by the brother of the producer of the movie.I have mass dialogues that are strong and inspirational like never before.Being a film buff, I watched ten best sport coach dramas already and watched it again to get the feel of this genre.Me and the kids had two months rigorous cricket coaching at the academy to ensure we don't look silly on screen and to get the body language right.We did dialogue reharsles for this film which is rare in Telugu industry.We lost a lot of time making this film filled with outdoor shots, due to incessant rains This film is memorable in many ways" says Sumanth who wakes up at odd hours to catch up with NBA and football matches on TV.

His last film 'Boni' sank at the box office which has forced him to conciously take a break and do a movie with a proven team. After a few bitter experiences, this suvave star, has revised his check list before he gives his nod to a project.He says earlier, he used to give script more weightage and now it is the director and the producer who are important to him.

"I have revised my checklist recently.I used to sign a project if script interested me. I am going to be careful with whom I am working with hereafter because I had bitter experiences in my previous projects.Now I see the team I will be working with, Now I realised that it is important to have a prolific producer to give the movie a decent platform to market it and director to treat the script well. I took a break conciously after 'Boni' which didn't meet my expectations. I wanted to work with a proven team with a novel storyline and I waited until I got this script now." he quips.

Coming from a family full of stars, Sumanth claims that directors have an eye for casting and offer the movie only to that actor who suits the role despite several stars i the family. One of the few actors who dares to risk without being caught in image trap,Sumanth feels that a movie will do well if budgets are moderate and casting is apt.Sumanth maintains a low profile when it comes to public appearances. Is he wary of papparazis?

"I hang out in my friends' places. I have an active social life and attend public events.I like going out and partying but certainly not in night clubs.I have a close set of friends and I confine my parties to spending time with them"

And finally a decade since he debuted in industry with 'Premakatha', is he happy with where he is now?

"I am not happy and I will never be satisified no matter what. I need commercial hits like 'Gowri' and 'Sathyam' now.I like doing roles that have never been tried in our cinema.I am glad that I am appreciated by a niche crowd who like movies like Godavari. But now, I am looking forward to more commercial hits" says the star with eyes filled with hope and confidence.