Akhil Akkineni has thrilled the Telugu audience with his performance as a child artist in Sisindri. His striking cameo in the climax of Manam has made his fans go gaga over him. He is gearing up to spring a surprise with his next movie Akhil. Directed by VV Vinayak, the film is produced by Nithiin and Sudhakar Reddy. The film is slated for release on November 11 for Diwali. On that occasion, Akhil had a conversation with the media. Excerpts from his interview:

What was your reaction when the film was delayed abruptly?

I never expected that the film will be postponed. I underwent a lot of pressure. If I would have expected the delay things would have been different. A magnum opus like Baahubali was delayed due to some VFX works. Realising the importance of the graphics in our film we have gone for an improvisation in the quality. Our fans totally misunderstood VV Vinayak garu and Nithiin. I completely understand their anguish but they should know that they are not the reason behind the delay. Hope, they enjoy the film keeping all these things aside.

Is it true that you had differences with your dad Nagarjuna due to the film`s delay?

Why would I have differences with my dad? We were panicked seeing the shoddy graphics. Dad has been supporting us throughout the journey. He is a very cool man and had huge experience in the industry. He gave some valuable inputs and our team owes him a lot.

Are you worried about the negative talk spread on the film owing to poor graphics?

Never! If you watch the film you feel we did the right thing!

Why were you exhausted and fainted during the rehearsals?

I was under strict diet. I didn`t even have a glass of water to maintain the fit look. On top of it, we did vigorous rehearsals for the introductory song. I was not unconscious but felt some dizziness. I had told my parents about this incident only after a couple of days.

Brief us about your role?

I am like any other typical hero of a Vinayak film. The film is laced with all aspects the audiences expect from us. Nothing was blown out of proportion and we are coming with a grand entry.

Tell us about the introduction song…

Johnny master has extracted the best out of me for this five minute song. We shot it for around 12 days for about 17-18 hour a day. I was a big fan of Chiranjeevi garu and Prabhu Deva`s dances since my childhood.

What can the audience expect from Akhil?

I never thought of working in such a beautiful film. It was Nithiin who set the combination with Vinayak garu. The confidence in Vinayak garu has made me to sign the dotted line. I am sure the story of Akhil is unique in its own right. Nithiin understood me very well that how do I feel as a new comer. The credit should go to Nithiin and Vinayak garu for giving me a grand launch with Akhil.

Who has influenced you the most in your life: your dad or mom?

I have grown up watching my dad`s films. Apparently, I will have some influence of him in my acting. Usually, I and dad will collectively take a decision with my mom`s support at home. My mother is a good dancer and she loves dance a lot. I always look up to her for suggestions in this regard. I am very fortunate to be the grandson of legend late ANR garu. I can`t express in my words about the insights he gave me from my childhood.

Considering your love for cricket, are you open to act in a sports-based film?

Definitely! But, I should get an interesting script akin to Rajamouli`s Sye. Audiences are very clever enough to reject a film, if it has a lackluster story. So, I always have two minds doing a sports based film. If I get the right script, I will do it.

Your mother is teaming up with Kamal for a new movie…

Is it? I don`t know. If the news is true, its pleasure watching her on screen again!

Is it true that you are flooded with offers from Bollywood filmmakers?

Yes, I have got offers from Bollywood. Being a Telugu guy, I want to focus on Telugu films. I am just starting and wanted to take one step at a time. Telugu cinema is my preference. I will definitely work in a Bollywood film but not for at least 3-4 years from now.