Naga Chaitanya awaits the release of 'Venky Mama' on December 13. In this interview, catch him talk about his role in the movie, working with 'Victory' Venkatesh, what he has learned from D Suresh Babu, his upcoming movies and more.

Learning from the two uncles

Suresh Babu garu gets involved in all aspects of filmmaking, observing whom I have learned a great deal. As for Venky mama, he is calm, positive and happy. He is never negative. That's in his nature. It's a blessing to do an entertainer with an all-rounder like him. The two uncles would get angry if something doesn't happen as planned. They don't get angry for the sake of it. Their anger is rooted in their penchant for efficiency.

A bright teaming up

In real life, I and Venky mama are quiet individuals. In the film, we both have played characters high on energy. It took time for me to get used to the character. And I had been going through the pressure to deliver the best, given that I have had genuine bonding with Venky mama from childhood. The offscreen bonding between us has been recreated on the screen.

A wide span

There is heroism, there are a number of commercial elements in the movie. We have seen a number of sword-wielding fights, etc in our movies. 'Venky Mama' has an Army backdrop and that has added to the entertainment value. My role is refreshing. The basic idea was conceived with a far lesser span. The surgical strikes element was added later by Bobby and Suresh Babu garu during subsequent discussions.

Interactions helped

The advantage with Suresh Productions is that an actor gets adequate time to prepare for the role. I could get to interact with army officers, etc to get my body language right. I have given my 100 percent as an actor.

The element of sacrifice

Be it marriage or 'Venky Mama', I didn't plan consciously. They have fallen into place and I feel fortunate. I have played a character with Venky mama and I don't call 'Venky Mama' a multi-starrer. I have always admired him. Sacrifice is an important aspect of this film's story. Unconditional love is what exists between family members. That has been brought out in the story. The word 'mass' can't be defined. If emotions in a film are universal, it's a mass entertainer.

No villain in flesh & blood

There is a lot of story in the movie besides what you have seen in the trailer. There is no villain in the story. It is a horoscope that is the villain.

Unplanned miracles

I haven't been accepted in action films. Despite that, I am glad that I have got to play a soldier in 'Venky Mama'. The whole army track is special. 'Manam' and 'Venky Mama' have happened without much planning. Neither I nor Venky mama sought a story for ourselves from anyone. It just came to us.

Listening to criticisms

I keep learning from failures, which are a part of life. I analyze my mistakes. In the era of social media, a lot of trolling takes place. The negativity has to be taken in the right stride. Genuine criticism has to be taken positively. I am quite active on social media during the release of my movie. Otherwise, I am off.

Samantha is frank

Working with Venkatesh garu will help my career a big deal, as the openings his movies get are large. Samantha has watched 'Venky Mama' and has loved the second half more. She gives her opinions frankly without holding herself back.

Balancing it out

Although some of my films with debut directors haven't worked, I still continue to be a director's actor. I go by his instructions blindly. Till the time my career settles down, I will have to repose faith in experienced directors.

Difficult experience

Shooting in Kashmir was not easy, as the terrain is quite hostile. The crew members would find it hard to navigate. The army episode in the second half doesn't come off suddenly in the movie.

On Kammula's movie

A director like Sekhar Kammula goes for a number of retakes. This film is very close to my heart, as my character in the movie is realistic. Forty percent of the shoot is over. We haven't finalized its title and 'Love Story' is just a working title as of now.

Upcoming movies

'Bangarraju' is very much on. The films with Merlapaka Gandhi and producer Dil Raju garu are yet to be finalized.