Ahead of the release of 'Chi La Sow' on August 3, director Rahul Ravindran says that the film is a true-to-life, new-age romance. He talks about the inspiration behind the film, why he chose Sushanth, how Annapurna Studios came to back the film and more.

That's why I became an actor:

I started out with the dream of becoming a director. But when I got an opportunity to play a male lead, I took up the offer only with the intention that I will get to learn. And additionally, I could earn money as an actor. But I have always wanted to be a story-teller.

Trend is changing:

It was some four years ago that I went to a hero with the story of 'Chi La Sow'. Although he loved the storyline, he didn't want to do it because this one is a new-age film and his market range wouldn't be apt for it. He told the distributors would complain if he did such a film. On my part, I got busy with acting assignments and so I couldn't make any further trials.

Meanwhile, the Telugu audience started accepting new-age films like 'Arjun Reddy', 'Pelli Choopulu', 'Mahanati' and 'Ghaazi'. There was a time when so-called multiplex movies were not making more than Rs. 5 CR. Now, they are making upwards of Rs. 20 CR. I felt that the time has come for me to approach producers with 'Chi La Sow'.

That's how the idea was born:

It was some 10 years ago that a friend of mine had a failure at his 'pelli choopulu'. Everything happened in 10 minutes. Had he got more time, things might have been different. What if he and the girl had enough time to know each other? That's how 'Chi La Sow' took birth in my mind.

That's why Sushanth:

I have always known Sushanth outside of cinema. It was during Samantha's wedding that we got close. We were having food across a table when I came to know that he was looking at doing a movie as per his gut feelings. He had done quite a few formula films but they didn't pay dividends, he told me. It got me thinking if I should approach Sushanth with a script. When I called him up, he told me he can't produce the movie. I assured him that I will find a producer myself. He loved the script of 'Chi La Sow'. He looks more handsome outside than in the movies. In our movie, you will see him as a natural, sans make-up.

The world of the girl:

The entire film takes place in a span of 24 hours. The girl (played by Ruhani Sharma) comes from a middle-class background. The boy is upper middle-class. The audience will connect to their worlds, more to the former than the latter.

Deals with a practical problem:

My film deals with a practical problem. In this day and age, individuality has increased. Many people want to lead life on their terms. And before marriage, everyone tries their best to present the best of themselves to the other side - both boys and girls do this. But there will come a day when that facade will fall off. If problems arise at this point of time, how will it affect the married life is what is important. My film explores the question of how much time it might take to understand someone and decide whether this person should be your partner.

The characters are a contrast:

Arjun (Sushanth) and the heroine are different. Arjun is 27 but mentally and emotionally he is in his late teens. He wants to get married only after he achieves something. On the other hand, the girl is a 23-something but mentally, her age is 45. When they meet, what happens over one day is what the film is about.

The story, the characters are very true-to-life. So, I couldn't have gone in for designer clothes. It would have been artificial.

Real dialogues:

The film's dialogues are very real and personal. The kind of language and Telugu you will see in the film is the kind I speak in real life. There are no 'prasalu' and all. My Telugu is hybrid of both Guntur 'yasa' and Telangana Telugu. Some of the situations in the film are inspired by my life.

Excellent cast & crew:

Apart from Vennela Kishore (as the hero's friend), the likes of Anu Haasan (she is doing a Telugu film after a long time), Rohini garu, Rahul Ramakrishna and others have done different roles. I am lucky to have got to work with M Sukumar sir, the film's cinematographer, who has done films like 'Sketch' and 'Bhairavaa' in Tamil. He is the heart of 'Chi La Sow'. He has made my vision 10 times more beautiful. Chota K Prasad garu's editing is atypical. He has done big films like 'DJ' in the past. And his edits are very sensible. It's his contribution that has made my film less multiplex and a balanced work.

Vennela Kishore warned me:

When I took up direction, Kishore told me this could be my make or break moment. If the film doesn't work, it's going to affect my acting career as well. But if it works well, I will make a name as a director and also cement my position as an actor. I took up the risk of turning a director as it has been my goal.

That was Chinmayi's fear:

Chinmayi (Sripaada, his wife) always eschews the dark stories that I write. So, when I told her the story of 'Chi La Sow', she was excited. She loved the sweetness of the subject. She got emotional after watching the movie.

Nagarjuna sir's compliment is Oscar-like:

Annapurna Studios came to back the movie days after Samantha watched the first half. She liked it totally and asked Chay (Naga Chaitanya) to watch the movie. He decided to back the film. He asked Nag sir to watch the film. And what Nag sir told me is like an Oscar award for me. He told me that I made him laugh, I made him cry. He also told me I have a bright future. I really hope so!

My second film:

My second film as a director will be with Annapurna Studios. Two days after Nag sir watched 'Chi La Sow', Supriya ma'am (Supriya Yarlagadda) called me up and told me the banner wants to produce my second film. Casting discussions are still ongoing.

I will be there onscreen:

Thanks to my film 'Drushti' and Samantha's 'U-Turn', I will be seen onscreen this year. So, people won't forget me as an actor.