Ahead of the release of 'Amar Akbar Anthony', Ravi Teja talks about his character in the movie, working with Sreenu Vaitla, trying experiments in the past, his future projects and more.

Between Amar, Akbar and Anthony, who do you like the most?

I personally like Amar the most. The three characters are entertaining in three different ways. Performing a role with more than two shades is always a challenge. It's up to the audience to judge which is the best one. The characterizations are new to both me and Sreenu (Vaitla). There are no similarities between this film and Amitabh Bachchan's movie.

How was it working with Sreenu Vaitla for the fourth time?

'Nee Kosam' was an intense, violent love story sans comedy. 'Venky' and 'Dubai Seenu' captured the 'allari' in Vaitla and me. You find Vaitla in every character of these movies. In 'AAA', there is 'allari', emotions, and action. It's up to date and the current generation will connect with it.

Tell us about the comedy quotient in the movie.

Vennela Kishore, Satya, Sunil will tickle the funny bone. Satya was never seen in a role of this sort. Sunil will remind you of the Sunil you saw in 'Dubai Seenu'. Ileana was Vaitla's first choice by instinct. She has done a great job.

Did you give suggestions to Vaitla, given that his recent films didn't do well?

I gave him enough time to work on the script. Such is the nature of the story. To the extent that I had to make suggestions, I did give minor ones. I strongly believe that he has not made any mistakes this time. It's a compliment that Vaitla described me as a troubleshooter at the pre-release event.

Were you not skeptical to work with Vaitla?

A director can give a blockbuster after a flop, a super flop after a hit. I believe in looking forward to new things. I don't take things too seriously. We can't say how mistakes creep in. Nobody makes a film with the intention to make a flop.

In what way do you think you have grown as an actor? Are you starting a production venture?

I don't talk about myself. I know my minus points well. You have to tell me what are my plus points. As for production, why should I do something I can't. Don't believe in any rumours. If there is anything, it will come from me.

How do you see your recent disasters like 'Touch Chesi Choodu' and 'Nela Ticket'?

I never complain. I never have regrets or anything. I want to better myself but I don't brood over anything. I want to try new things, yes. If my gut feeling says I should do, I go for it. Be positive. Negativity, stress, depression are to be eschewed by staying positive.

Don't you want to try experimental films?

Films like 'Shambo Shiva Shambo', 'Ee Abbayi Chala Manchodu', 'Neninthe', etc were done to come out of the image 'chatram'. When something new comes my way, I am game.

Thaman started his career with your film. And he has completed 100 movies. How do you see it?

I was surprised and asked him when did you complete 100 movies. He has matured as a music director. For 'AAA', the BGM is very good.

Do you work for your roles before going to sets? Do you have a deal with Mythri?

I never do homework. It's only classwork that I do. My next film will be in SRT Entertainments. Ram Talluri garu is a positive producer. I don't have any deal with Mythri Movie Makers. They are very nice people and it was great working with them.

Are you all for doing historical roles?

Will it suit for me? It's not like I don't want to do something. If I like it, I will do. I am not averse to trying new things.

Elections are around the corner. Are you following the news?

I don't read about politics. I don't know anything about it. But using vote right is very important.

Who are the ones who give you honest feedback about your films?

There are some in my life who are always honest. My son is one of the people who openly says things on face.