Prudhvi, the reigning comedian of Tollywood, is almost a male lead of 'Meelo Evaru Koteeswarudu', the Dec 16 release. In this interview, he talks about spoofing actors in the movie, the controversy over imitating Balakrishna, and more.

How the film fell in place:

The role I played in 'Bengal Tiger', producer Radha Mohan's previous movie, was such a hit with the audience. It not only bought me so many offers, but also four awards. When director Satthi Babu called me to his office, I went there thinking that it must be just another role. But when he gave the narration, I realized how important my character is.

A comedian is a comedian:

Even I have been hearing the same. Naveen Chandra is very friendly towards me. He too said that there is confusion regarding who is the movie's hero. Kota garu once said that however important a comedian may be for his movie, he shouldn't over-reach himself. I believe in this. Naveen Chandra is the hero of 'Meelo Evaru Koteeswarudu'.

Had tears in eyes:

The trailer has been getting a tremendous response. The other day, I was witness to the audience's response when the trailer was playing in a theatre during the interval of 'Dhruva'. My eyes almost welled up with tears.

Spoofing the actors:

In a scene, I imitate some actors when someone mocks at me saying I can't act. Apart from this one, there is no other spoof.

That 'Mutha Mestri' step:

I have a song with Saloni. On the day the song had to be shot, I had a leg injury. When I asked Ganesh Master as to how he will make me dance, he asked me to leave it to him. I have done a 'Mutha Mestri' movement in it. It was okayed in the first take itself. If I could do it, the credit goes to Ganesh Master.

Cutting the remuneration:

Currency ban has made it difficult for producers to invest in films. Where I used to charge Rs. 1 lac, I am now charging Rs. 20,000. It would be great if everybody does that.

The controversy is settled:

When I imitated Balakrishna garu, some of his fans felt that it was improper on my part to do that. Jagan, the President of a fans' association called me up. I explained to him and the issue is now settled. By the way, during the making of 'Dictator', I imitated Balayya garu and he appreciated me for that. It was he who initiated me into Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy deeksha. If he is a God to his fans, he is Narasimha Swamy to me.

Upcoming projects:

In 'Katamarayudu', I will be seen in the Pawan Kalyan-Shruti Haasan combo scenes. I am very happy with it. I am also doing 'Winner', 'Mister', a Nani movie, and 'Vaisakham', among others.