Jayanth C Paranje, the director of such commercial entertainers as 'Preminchukundam Ra', 'Premante Idera', 'Bavagaru Bagunnara!', 'Lakshmi Narasimha' and 'Teen Maar', is arriving with yet another commercial film. It's 'Jayadev', starring debutante Ganta Ravi as the male lead.

In this interview, Jayanth talks about the film's subject, Ravi's performance and more.

How did this project fall into place?

It happened in a curious way. Cinematographer Jawahar Reddy happened to call me up one day, telling me that he wanted to meet me. I asked him to see me at my place. When I opened the door, I found that he came along with a 6 ft tall, handsome guy. I was told that he is Ganta Srinivas Rao garu's (the Education Minister of Andhra Pradesh) son and that he wanted to debut as an actor. I did feel that he has it in him to become a hero.

Ravi went on to shed 16 kilos in three months. He has also trained under Sathyanand master. With perseverance and dedication, one can do anything is what he has proved.

What is the movie's subject?

When I watched 'Sethupathy' (Tamil), I really liked it. This film draws its essential theme from that movie. Of course, it has been adapted to suit the Telugu nativity. Paruchuri Brothers have done a fantastic job with writing.

We have seen so many cop stories. How is 'Jayadev' a cut above the rest?

It's true that there have been many cop stories till date. However, they generally are related to what happens with the hero's family, etc. Even the likes of 'Ankusham' and 'Kartavyam' belong to this category. However, 'Jayadev' is totally about what a cop does for the sake of society even though he has suffered no personal loss.

Ravi has performed in such a way that the audience will want to clap and whistle while watching him. I have made the movie in such a way that his pluses get elevated. A short-tempered person, he is looking every bit apt in the movie.

Tell us about the female lead.

Malavika Raj, who was seen as the child Kareena Kapoor in 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham', is being introduced as a heroine. She has done a very good job.

Who is the antagonist?

Vinod Kumar, who has been on a long sabbatical, has done a terrific job as a villain. His performance is a total surprise package.

You have made films with big stars like Venkatesh and Pawan Kalyan. having got such a track record, did you have reservations before doing a debutante's movie?

Script-based projects is no longer the norm these days. Preference is more for combinations (hero-director, etc). Prabhas debuted in my film ('Eeshwar'). I am proud of what he is today. I am confident that Ganta Ravi too will become someone big like Prabhas some day.

Tell us about the music.

Out of the 12 films I have made, Mani Sharma has music-directed 9 of them. All the 5 songs he has composed for 'Jayadev' have come out very well. Two of them were shot in Slovenia. Three of them were shot on sets erected in Hyderabad.

Why has there been a gap of 5 years since 'Teen Maar'?

I had done 'Allari Pidugu' before 'Teen Maar', and both of them didn't do well. It's because of this that I had to go slow. 'Jayadev', I feel, is coming with the right ingredients at the right time.

When are you going to do a film with Mahesh Babu and Prabhas?

Mahesh wants me to do a love story with him. Once a good story comes up, we could team up.

I am often in touch with Prabhas. He is the same Prabhas since the days of 'Eeshwar'. Twice, we couldn't team up because of lack of his call sheets. If and when we can team up, we will do it for sure.