Aadhi Pinisetty is enjoying the attention his character Guru from 'The Warriorr' is receiving. As the film's main villain, he has shared screen space with actor Ram Pothineni, whom he praises in this interview. The 'Rangasthalam' and 'Agnyaathavaasi' actor also has words of appreciation for director N Lingusamy's vision.

Congratulations on getting accolades for your performance in the film.

Thank you. I am very happy that the film has also been received very well all over.

Why has there been a long gap between your previous straight Telugu film and this one?

After 'Sarrainodu', I got to do 'Agnyathavaasi'. That film starred Pawan Kalyan in the lead. I made a decision that, whatever I do after that movie, it has to be better. 'The Warriorr' is the first script that impressed me. Guru is no ordinary villain and the character design struck the right chord with me.

Do you find it difficult to say no to a film or a character?

Not at all. I am honest and frank about it. If I beat around the bush, I would end up wasting their time. It would also eat up my time. I can't carry the role is what I tell the director.

How long did you take to accept 'The Warriorr'?

After the narration was over, I had some doubts. I got them clarified with the director. I was on board after my doubts were dispelled. The character wouldn't have clicked this well had it not been for a separate flashback for him.

Did you do any homework for the role? Or did you merely follow the director's instructions?

I have always followed the specifics of the character I play. Guru in this particular film is a character with a cinematic commercial meter. The antagonist revels in his villainy from start to end, barring the climax. Since the meter is new to me, I submitted myself to the director's vision. While the credit for my characterization goes to the director, I did work on my looks as part of my preparation.

You have played both lead roles and negative roles. Which of them do you like the most?

I am comfortable with both. It's a challenge to convince the audience. Be it any character, this doesn't change.

Were you worried when Ram suffered a spinal injury during the making of 'The Warriorr' and the shoot had to be stalled for a couple of months?

I got to do some other assignments at that time. Yes, it was a tense phase. Some things are not in our hands. Ram was advised to take rest because the injury could have exacerbated had he continued to work.

You seem to be in love with the climax of 'The Warriorr'.

It was fun shooting for it. It was like shooting for a song. The chemistry I and the hero share in the fight prompted the director to remark that it was like choreographing a song. Credit also goes to stunt master Anbu Arivu.

Do you think it's a plus that you are busy in both Telugu and Tamil?

The Tamil audience think that I am a Telugu, while the Telugu audience think that I am a Tamilian. These days, the audience are not minding the linguistic background of actors. They are celebrating acting talent as talent.