The antagonist turned actor is on the move. He has been working non-stop and playing some versatile roles that are being praised by the audience and the industry people. Currently working on a couple of projects and looking forward to find his niche in the Telugu movie industry, Adivi Shesh sat down with us for an open chat.

He spoke a few things about his upcoming flick Ami Thumi directed by Mohanakrishna Indraganti and his take on other things. Without further ado, let`s get into it.

The interview starts with him chuckling and saying “Ask me something that I`ve never been asked before and I`ll answer like never before”.

You have mainly played antagonist in your previous projects. How do you think you have sculpted yourself from a villain to a hero?

I think it`s us who try to rub it on audience`s mind that if a person plays a villain`s role then they may not necessarily be hero material. But really, an actor is an actor anywhere in the film and I don`t think the essence of acting gets disturbed because of the role. I was comfortable playing a villain before but now I`m looking for more serious acting roles as a hero.”

How was working with Indraganti for Ami Thumi?

It has been amazing. He taught me so many things. Indraganti`s vision always picks up your drive. It is completely his vision that styled and tailored the movie. Everyone believed in him and we all worked so hard on the movie.”

How many days did the shooting take place?

It took us about 35 days to complete the whole shooting part. Usually, any movie takes a minimum of 50 to 60 days but we all coordinated so well and everyone is very understanding. So, that was a bonus to wrap the whole thing soon enough”.

You have worked with SS Rajamouli for Bahubali series. Do you think it had an impact on your career?

Definitely, it had a huge impact. There was this one time, when I was playing a role for Nagarjuna sir`s Oopiri, we were in Paris. So, a couple of Tamils from Norway, saw me and recognized me. They praised me about my character in Baahubali. I will never forget that. The Tamil version of the movie had so much impact on them and especially my character touched them like that. I never expected that. That was surprising and encouraging.”

He pauses before continuing

"I think Bahubali morally pulled me up from my depression. Bahubali brought me out of it. A movie I did before Bahubali, turned out to be a disaster and I was very upset because of that. I was very scared. The opportunity of Bahubali just came around the right time. I was so grateful. Everyone is so nice and appreciative. They`re so supportive, so it does speak a lot about our industry, in general.”

You have played the antagonist`s character in Panja. Do you think PK (Pawan Kalyan) had an impact on the beginning of your career?

“Definitely. It`s more like I got my name and fame through that movie and through Pawan garu. I am never taking that for granted. I think because of that I got so many opportunities and I am here today.”

How do you think you have transitioned through the years?

I never really am fixated about anything. I try to work something out and if it doesn`t work, I`ll find something that will work for me. That`s how I am. I am flexible and that factor really played a huge role in my career. I don`t have to repetitively try something in order to satisfy my ego, so that was never my mindset. If something doesn`t work that`s fine. If it does, then that`s great. I never wanted to play the main lead necessarily.”

what do you think is your niche?

I am into so many things right now. I write, direct and act and I am just trying to get the best out of it. The fact that I am not from a film background, makes things a bit more challenging for me. I always have to push hard in order to get my work done the right way. So, you could say that I am still learning and haven`t really found a certain designation. I am comfortable with being a writer or director or actor. Ultimately, it`s the film that really matters. I have always believed that film is more important than actors.”

Will you direct?

I will direct but I may not act in it. However, right now I am focused on acting.”

what`s your take on acting?

It`s a talent that needs a lot of work and dedication. I am focused on acting and I am trying to find my niche in it. But if that doesn`t work out, I am not going to force it on myself or on the audience.”

what about writing?

I think I have written over 50 stories by now. I am trying to make those stories better every day.”

Why don`t you try to narrate those stories to a director?

It`s all great inside your head but once you keep contemplating on the story`s element with the current situations and rhythm, the number comes down to two or one. Not every story necessarily makes it to the big screen.”

So coming back to your current movie, Ami Thumi. Do you think this is an entertainer?

Ami Thumi is an out and out comedy entertainer. It`s a great movie and Indraganti knows exactly what he wants. He even takes extra shots just in case and he is very specific about his work and that`s the best part about working with him and in his film. So, yes, people will love this movie”.

What`s your role in the movie?

I am a simple romantic guy in the movie. The directed scripted my role so well that I was more than willing to commit to the role. My role`s a bit comedic in this movie, so yeah...”

Are you experimenting with comedy now?

I guess you can say that but ultimately, the audience get to decide how good or bad I am at comedy. That`s for them to judge. Not me.”

What do you think is your daily mantra?

I always try to be a better version of myself. Be it work or my personal life, I try to be the best of me. I am flexible and that really helped me sustain in the industry for a while now.”

What are your upcoming projects?

I have signed a couple of movies and the shooting will start soon.”