Ahead of the release of 'Ee Nagaraniki Emaindi' on June 29, Tharun Bhascker in this interview talks about the film, the message it drives home, working with his actors, his next film and more.

How has life changed for you since 'Pelli Choopulu'? It was not only a big box-office hit but also fetched you a National Award. Surely, something must have changed?

Leaving aside awards and rewards, I have become more balanced since then. With 'Ee Nagaraniki Emaindi', I am far more confident. Soon after 'PC' came out in theatres, I had many offers. It took time for the success to sink in for me. When I was no one, my life was placid. But once I attained fame, it was shocking. As such, I took my time to regain a sense of balance. I didn't write anything in the state of mind. The big success of 'PC' was surely a plus for me. I wanted to come up with a good story for my second. And I took time for that.

The question on everyone's mind: Why did you choose to go with newcomers when you could have worked with star actors? You have said in an interview that you don't see yourself as eligible to direct star heroes as yet. Isn't it?

If 'PC' was such a big hit, it's because the story was good fundamentally. It had no star face. I didn't stake much in making that film. It was risk-free as it was not a starry film. But when you have star actors on board, you run a risk. As yet, I don't know how to write a story to suit their image. Since I already had the experience of working with newcomers, I used that experience to confidently go about writing a fresh story. That's how 'ENE' has been made.

Didn't star heroes approach you, evincing interest to work with you?

They did approach. They also appreciate the content of 'PC'. I have met the likes of Mahesh Babu garu, Allu Arjun garu, and Nagarjuna garu. And they were all genuine in appreciating my work. They asked me to call them up if anything. I have to understand cinema better to be able to work with star heroes. I told them I will work with them when I attain the understanding.

Coming to your film, why did you go for the unconventional phrase 'Ee nagaraniki emaindi'?

The film tells the story of four filmmakers. There is a message in the film pertaining to both filmmaking and alcohol addiction. It's a fun-filled entertainer all through. The 'Ee nagaraniki emaindi' ad pertains to de-addiction. The ad is very popular and everybody knows it, but they keep doing what they want. It was my best friend Kaushik who suggested the title. Although I was skeptical about the title, I nevertheless proposed it to Suresh Babu garu, who liked it. It's not like the title is unrelated to the story. It's very much related to the theme. We in Telugu don't have buddy comedies like 'Hangover', 'Dil Chahta Hai' and 'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara'. These films had a particular structure.

Suresh Babu has been instrumental in your career. How did he receive your story when you first narrated it to him?

Many had told me that he takes a lot of time to okay a story. But he asked me to immediately start the film as soon as I narrated 'ENE' to him. I was shocked pleasantly. Even after the film was done, he didn't suggest any changes. As for the budget, there were no issues. I had full freedom. We shot half the film in Goa.

Your four heroes are less-known faces. Do you think they will become stars after this movie?

I believe they will. Abhinav Gomatam is a startling actor. He comes with a theatre background. He wanted to give up on making attempts for film offers. That's when I spotted him. He is a brilliant actor. All the four have simply got into the skin of their respective characters. We auditioned every single profile we received. Sushanth Reddy was the first one to be selected. We took two months to complete the casting process.

You are one of the few sought-after directors who keeps a low-profile. Why so?

Fame has both negative and positive fallouts. Being trolled by someone on social media is against my sensibilities. I prefer to spend my time with family.

When is your next film happening? It's heard that your next will be with a Venkatesh or a Rana Daggubati. Is it true?

I will first complete the story that I am writing. It's almost getting finished. Who I work with will depend on the story. It will be with Suresh Productions. I will approach the said stars if my story suits them.