Nandamuri Kalyanram awaits the release of 'Entha Manchivaadavura' on January 15. In this interview, he talks about his character in the movie, its central message, how it is different from its Gujarati original, the experience of working with writer-director Satish Vegesna and more.

A positive-minded protagonist

Everyone is good in their own way. Our film conveys the philosophy that everyone is intrinsically good. The protagonist never takes things negatively and he wants to spread positivity to others. That's what makes him what he is. 'All Is Well' was contemplated as the title at one stage. But we wanted to go in for a pure Telugu title.

The role

I am a youngster who acts in short films in the movie. The heroine (Mehreen Pirzada) produces them. She has done a nice job in the performance-oriented role.

The conflict in 'EM'

Conflict is the best part of the film. Unlike 'Shatamanam Bhavati', this one is not just about one family. It's about different characters and how the protagonist enters their lives to show them a way to happiness. He is unlike most of us. That's what makes him a cut above the rest. In real life, I don't have enemies by God's grace. I will move away from an individual if I am not comfortable.

A superb director

Satish Vegesna garu is an awesome director. I enjoyed worked with him as much as I did with Puri Jagannadhg garu and Anil Ravipudi. His film has received a National Award.

Apt songs

The songs have clicked with the audience. The song 'Emo Emo' is a running one and packs the emotional core of the story. The impact is doubled on the screen. I had been wanting to work with music director Gopi Sundar since 'Ninnu Kori'.

I don't repeat myself

I never worry about my image. I don't like to repeat myself. I don't like to repeat my characters and stories. I am not comfortable doing that. A character has to excite me. After '118', I was offered a thriller by someone. I didn't like to do it because what can I offer once again in a thriller? I have always wanted to do a family entertainer and 'EM' came as an answer. After watching 'Shatamanam Bhavati', my wife asked me why I don't do such films. I told her that I will get an offer the day a director believes that I can be a family hero.

Many changes to the original

This is a remake of the Gujarati movie 'Oxygen'. Sivalenka Krishnaprasad garu asked me to watch the movie one fine day. He then arranged a narration session with the director. Since I loved the core of the original, I wanted to listen to the narration. Satish Vegesna garu has changed the entire story without touching the core. The remake is far more commercial than the original.

Not preachy

'EM' is not preachy at all. Everything is implicit. It's the journey of a character. As a child, I used to wish that our relatives stayed with us forever. This film sort of conveys a similar emotion. Playing this simple character was akin to being me. My director told me to never raise my eyebrows to denote anger. I have a smiling face throughout the film. It's that way I am in real life.

Targeting family audience

Sankranthi is as much Tollywood's festival as it is of farmers'. Three-four films have been releasing every year for this festival. We wanted to cater to the family audience and that's why we have chosen this season. If it releases in February or March, it won't have enough reach.

When it comes to my productions, we have a certain style. If we are going in for a new director, he shouldn't be clueless about anything. Time is money.