Avasarala Srinivas, one of the few screen writers of today's Tollywood who loves language (and thus, lyrics), speaks to IndiaGlitz on his up-and-coming movie 'Jyo Achyutananda', which he has described as a love story between two brothers.

The writer-actor-director talks about his literary interests, the film with Nani, and more.

What is the subject of 'Jyo Achyutananda'?

This is the story of two brothers, played by Nara Rohith (elder) and Naga Shourya (the younger one). Regina plays Jyo, who rents their house. This is not a triangular love story. This is about the emotional relationship involving the two brothers. The first half has greater comedy quotient than the second, which is more emotional.

Why are you not calling it a triangular love story?

Because it's not. This is more like the love story is happening between the brothers. The brothers are married. This is revealed at the beginning itself.

Does the film drive home the message that it's not proper to fall in love after marriage?

I am not telling any message.

In 'Oohalu Gusagusalade', there was no villain. You played a character with grey shades. Is there a villain in 'Jyo Achyutananda'?

The characters are both heroes and villains. They are heroes for themselves, while being villainous toward the other.

How have you balanced the characters of Achyuth and Anand?

The screenplay is story-driven. There is Anand in the scenes where only Achyuth is visible and vice-versa.

Do you have sibling rivalry in real life?

(Smiles). Luckily, there is no drama between us brothers. My brother is very proud of me and he has always supported me. During my early days, he supported me financially. He has pasted my film's posters at his home.

Were there any ego clashes between Nara Rohith and Naga Shourya?

Far from it, they hit it off very well right from the initial days. They were very jovial. If you see the making videos, you will know how much they bonded well.

Why was Regina chosen for the character?

Whenever we see Rashi Khanna landing big offers, I and Sai Korrapati garu feel very proud. We thought of choosing a new face for this film as well, but we couldn't find someone who wouldn't be dominated by the male leads in any scene. We conducted auditions in Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai, etc but found none apt. We then decided to go for an existing actress.

How have you matured as an actor since your first movie?

The debut movie was wrapped up even before I could learn much. I must say that I have learnt most of the lessons while making the second film.

You have a good founding in literature. Isn't it?

I read the books of Mullapudi garu, Woody Allen and the like. I enjoy the humour in Mullapudi garu's writings. Not that I follow his template. Something has to come out organically for a writer. I don't call myself a writer, but a screen writer. Reading even a page of Woody Allen's writings completely de-stresses me. When I am alone, I read him and laugh out loud.

Why do we not see novels-based movies in Tollywood?

I suppose it's because we have a poor reading culture. When you give such a script to a producer, he wouldn't like to go through that.

Do you share your literary views with your lyricist?

Yes, I do. Fortunately for me, I have a music director in Kalyan Koduri garu who likes to compose the song in such a way that the lyrics are not lost in the din.

Isn't the music of 'Jyo Achyutananda' old-fashioned?

If we make songs in such a way that the lyrics are not affected, they say it's old-school music. (Smiles).

You have done a negative role in 'Gentleman'. You have soft features. What made you accept the role?

When I read the script, I felt that I can do it. Some villains are psychological. I fit the bill. In my next film 'Hunterrr' (remake of the Bollywood movie by the same name), I am playing a negative role. Many advised me against doing it, but I felt the second part has great emotional content.

What are you planning to do next?

I have been working tirelessly. After working on post-production work for my film till 2 a.m., I again have to shoot for 'Hunterrr'. That's been my schedule for the past one month. Earlier, I was doing many films back-to-back. I want to relax for 15-20 days. Probably, I will go to Rishikesh and meditate.

So, are you a spiritual person?

Yes, I am into spirituality.

Is there a movie lined up with Nani?

I have a film each with Sai Koorapati garu and Nani. I had a fun film for Nani, but after 'Gentleman', I think he has taken his acting to the next level. So, I am mooting going for a serious subject.