Maruthi is the writer of 'Brand Babu', the rom-com and family entertainer starring Sumanth Shailendra, Eesha Rebba, Murali Sharma and others. It will hit the screens on August 3. Ahead of the release, Maruthi talks about the film, his career and more.

How did you conceive the idea of the film?

I am not obsessed with brands. It's because I have been habituated to a middle-class life. But so many people are brand-conscious. They are mad about the brands they use. They are proud of the products they use. Some people don't even interact with those who don't belong to the same type. I have noticed several such people over the years. I thought why not make a film on such people? That's how the concept of a brand-conscious family was conceived. What happens when the son of such a family falls in love with a servant maid? What happens when he comes to know the value of love? That's the crux of 'Brand Babu'.

But isn't it too far-fetched to show a millionaire son falling in love with a servant maid?

The hero gets hold of a phone number, believing that it's being used by the Home Minister's daughter. He starts talking with her and believes that she loves her. But he doesn't know that the phone number was once used by HM's daughter, not anymore. It's being used by a servant maid.

Does the film have any message?

Yes, indeed. There is a nice message in the movie. This is the first time that I have penned the entire story, dialogues and script for a movie. This was not written with the sole intention of making the audience have comic relief. If 'Ee Rojullo' and 'Bus Stop' were found to be entertaining by the audience, it's because of the message in them. With 'Brand Babu', I will also prove it that Maruthi can dish out entertaining stuff again and again.

How has it been working with director Prabhakar?

Prabhakar has directed several TV serials. As soon as something is written on the paper, he can grasp its emotional core. Had I made the film with newcomers, it would have been very worrying for me. Prabhakar's experience has come in handy.

Didn't you have any apprehensions before choosing a debutant as the hero?

When a new actor's film is coming, people question themselves as to why they should watch the movie. Only if the film is very good will they come and watch the movie. Shailendra Babu has been my friend for long. I wanted to introduce his son, Sumanth, in an entertaining film that has heroism in it. So, I went to him with the story of 'Brand Babu'. The hero's character comes with a tinge of arrogance. I must say that Sumanth has totally aced it.

Being a director, why are you writing for other directors' movies?

If I continue to make films, I can make them for the next 10 years with the number of stories that I already have. The audience's tastes keep changing every few years. Also, I may not always be in a position to direct all my stories. My strength lies in taking up small story points and developing them into entertainers. I wanted to do 'Brand Babu' with Sharwanand for UV Creations. When he asked me for a characterization-driven story, I offered him 'Mahanubhavudu'.

Why don't you work with big stars?

I have always believed in stories. It's not like I don't want to make movies with star heroes. If I think that I have something that suits their image, I will go to them.

What are your upcoming movies?

I am doing 'Shailaja Reddy Alludu' (with Naga Chaitanya, Ramya Krishna and Anu Emmanuel). 'Bhale Manchi Chowka Beram', whose concept has been written by me, will hit the screens in September.