Rana Daggubati's 'Nene Raju-Nene Mantri' hits the screens on August 11. In this interview, he talks about the film, working with Teja, and more.

What is the main subject of the film?

It's the love story of Radha (Kajal) and Jogendra in a political backdrop. There are dialogues that appeal to masses, there are emotional scenes, there is action. It's a full-fledged commercial entertainer with a realistic approach to story-telling.

What about your character?

Jogendra has got two different shades. For the first time, I have worked on a genre like this. I am confident that everybody is going to like it.

I like movies. I like acting even more. All of us in the family have been into movies. Luckily, I am getting nice subjects these days. I am keen on trying something new every time. We got to encourage directors with new ideas. Only then will good films get made.

What kind of homework went into playing the character?

I have worked physically very hard for the movie. The story spans over a period of 6-7 years. My body language has been molded according to the status of Jogendra - as a money-lender, as a leader.

My gym trainer Kunal has traveled with me for 7 years now. He can mold my body as per the need. I always take a lot of care with respect to my fitness.

To what extent does technology help in the making of a good movie?

Compared to other languages, the standard of Telugu movies is consistently growing. Technology merely supports the story. No film works because of technical brilliance alone. An amazing story should be told in a better way through technology.

How was it working in your home banner for the first time?

I am very happy. I had always wanted to work in a Suresh Productions movie. But things didn't work out. My films are not run-of-the-mill; they go against the routine. My dad (Suresh Babu) and my 'Chinnanna' (Venkatesh) have both done a lot of successful movies. For the first time, dad, Venkatesh garu and I liked a story when Teja garu narrated the story.

Haven't you already done a political film? Why have you chosen the genre all over again?

'Leader' was a political film, but 'NRNM' is not. Politics is the backdrop, but the story is something else. The love story is told through songs. It tells the journey of Jogendra entertainingly. If you have watched the Hollywood movie 'Wolf Of Wall Street', which narrates a sad story in a lighter-veined fashion, you will know what I am saying.

How was it working with Teja?

It was a fantastic experience. Teja garu has depicted politics in an amazing way. That's the main reason why I liked the story. What is happening in today's politics has been clearly shown in the movie.

Whenever I have watched a film made in a political backdrop, I get connected with it. We have made many changes to the Tamil version.

But Teja hasn't been in good form. Isn't it?

I have worked with a star director like Rajamouli and a newcomer like Sankalp. If I like a story, I will do it. Teja has experienced certain realities and all that experience shows in the movie.

What are you looking forward to achieving?

I have become an actor to make films with strong concepts. I look forward to learning something while playing a character. I would get bored if I do the same stuff every time.

There are two other films coming this Friday. Are you afraid of competition?

I don't think about all that. All the three films belong to a different genre. This is good. The weekend is long. When I was a child, 4-5 films used to hit the screens on the same day. This weekend should be like Sankranthi season.

Are you against dances and duets?

I am not against them, but I wouldn't recommend such stories. It's because I believe in the story. I enjoy the scenes that are organic to the story. It takes some time to connect back to the story after a song.