The Oka V Chitram and Gundelo Godari actor, Aadhi Pinisetty, in this exclusive interview to IndiaGlitz, says that he has always tried to break out of stereotyping. With a hit like Malupu in his kitty, the actor is even more confident about striking gold with Sarrainodu, though he has his fingers crossed. Saying that his role in Sarrainodu is that of a subtle villain who doesn't behave like hackneyed baddies, Aadhi talks about working with Bunny, his equations with Bunny, Boyapati Sreenu's speciality and style, and more.

Did you accept the role in Sarrainodu because you liked it or is it because it's a Bunny film?

Before listening to the story, I made up my mind that I will not do it if it's a cliched villain's role. The role is very subtle and different. It's unlike the routine Telugu villain. Boyapati Sreenu garu portrays his villains as powerful characters. Besides, Bunny has a huge fan base; so, I thought doing this film will help me in Telugu.

You have no huge recognition in Telugu. At a time when Malupu came as a breather, how does it feel coming as an antagonist?

Things have changed. Our audience have matured. They don't think that those who play villains shouldn't play heroes and vice-versa. Such misconceptions are there in the industry, but not among audiences. I only want to convince my audience in whatever role I do. I convinced the audience as a hero in Malupu. Now, I have to convince them as a villain. I have my fingers crossed.

What is it that you liked about your character?

There is this understanding that a villain goes to any extent to get what he wants. But this is not implied in Sarrainodu. He doesn't have any bad habits, he doesn't scream for the sake of it, he doesn't kill just like that, he doesn't womanize. He has a classy approach to what he does. Such nuances have made me do the film. He has a certain ideology. He is indefatigible. There is an element of wit in the equations between the hero and the villain. There comes a question as to how the hero trumps such a formidable villain.

How is your character an equal to Bunny's: brain-wise or brawn-wise?

Both ways. I am more powerful than Bunny in every sense. How a boy-next-door challenges such a powerful character, is the exciting part. How many scenes are there between Bunny and you?

We do have combination scenes. I can't say more than this: there is no direct confrontation between the hero and villain, like in other stories.

Boyapati's villains have heavy dialogues. Do you have punch lines?

No punch lines as such, but my dialogues have got punch in them. (Laughs). That is Boyapati garu's speciality and style. Towards pre-climax and climax, I have such lines.

So much of hype has been built around your role. Don't you think it will be counter-productive?

I can't talk about that. All that I can say is, audiences are used to watch aggressive villains. But, I am not an aggressive villain here. He is stylish. He doesn't react needlessly. I too am a bit scared about audience's reaction. I have seen how expectations are there from my character.

Did you have any references for the role in Sarrainodu?

My director is my reference. He was clear about the character's behaviour and mannerisms. I went with a clean slate. I let the director write whatever he wanted. But there is a feeling that I could have done better.

How did Boyapati give you the narration, given that he enacts during narration?

His narration is like 3D and DTS. He shows everything that he wants to show in the movie. He gives a very animated narration. I am doing a pucca commercial movie for the first time. It was a different experience.

Any memorable moments with Bunny?

(Laughs) I bought a hoverboard and would use it on the locations. Bunny liked it and wanted to have one. He didn't want me to gift him. We had fun time getting the balance. NTR has used it in a song.

Boyapati's films are high on violence. Is Sarrainodu much the same?

Bunny has a lot of fans among children. Keeping that in mind, the director has made this as a family entertainer. This film is not for those who like violence only. This film has got everything - comedy, dances, fights, family emotions. There is no too much of blood.

Since when have Bunny and you been friends?

We were friends during childhood. Although, we were not from the same school, we used to spend time pracising kung fu by the beach side. After his family moved to Hyderabad, we lost touch. Before joining the shoot of Sarrainodu, I wondered if Bunny might have changed as a person because he is a big star. But he is still the same person: very down-to-earth.

Any memorable moments from your childhood?

We used to beat each other. That's what kung fu class is about. (Laughs). We used to have a healthy competition. We used to play running races, Bunny, Manchu Vishnu, Manoj, my brother and me used to have good time.

What is Boyapati's speciality?

He knows the audience's pulse. He is a very good observer. He knows what the audience expects from the first half, second half, the climax and all. He translates that on screen.

Do you have scenes with Rakul?

Yes, I have scenes with her. They are all serious scenes. But I didn't get to interact with her much. I used to arrive with an aggressive mood and leave with that mood. I can't switch moods. She is a sweet girl and a dedicated actor.

How many action scenes do you have with Allu Arjun?

A tug-of-war i