Teja Sajja is optimistic that 'ISHQ', which will hit the screens on July 30, is going to fetch him more recognition that have 'Oh Baby' and 'Zombie Reddy'. In his pre-release interview, the young actor reveals unknown facts about the movie.

How confident are you that your film will make the cut during the pandemic?

Ours is the first Telugu movie to release in theaters post the second lockdown. Producer RB Chaudary garu, as well as NV Prasad garu, must have deliberated fully before choosing the release date. I am confident that 'ISHQ' will make money and fetch me unique recognition.

'ISHQ' looks like a content-driven movie, if the trailer is anything to go by. Tell us more about it.

As you said, it's driven by content. It's a romantic thriller that has got a tight screenplay. At 115 minutes, it is an edge-of-the-seat thriller. Director SS Raju has come out with a unique way of narrating the story.

How different is it compared to the Malayalam original by the same name?

The Malayalam original was slow-paced, with its run time hovering over 135 minutes. The Telugu remake is crisp. It's also very racy and will engage the audience consistently.

What about the technical aspects?

The cinematography is by a senior like Sam K Naidu garu. The visuals are perfect. Also, Mani Sharma garu's son Mahati Swara Sagar garu has composed an outstanding BGM. His work will stand out.

As an actor, what are your expectations from the movie?

This is a performance-driven role for me. Also, the story revolves around my character and is centered around me. So, I am expecting that it will get people to talk about my performance more than 'Oh Baby' and 'Zombie Reddy' did.

How was it teaming up with the prestigious banner Mega Super Good Films?

They have done a Telugu film after 7 years. Importantly, they have done it at a time when they are busy with the Telugu remake of 'Lucifer' with Megastar Chiranjeevi. Besides them, three other producers wanted to lay their hands on the remake rights of 'ISHQ'. Incidentally, all four banners wanted to work with me only.

So, is the film meant only for youngsters?

Not at all. It has got all the ingredients that a family audience would expect. The content is rich and the proceedings are engrossing. There is always a 'what happens next?' question that keeps the audience hooked. Everyone, including my co-star Priya Prakash Varrier, has acted superbly. She is a national crush but is quite unassuming.

What about your upcoming movies such as 'Hanu-Man', which is a Prasanth Varma directorial?

I have high expectations from 'Hanu-Man'. Contrary to speculations, it has got no mythological flavour. The 'Man' in the title says it all. It belongs to a typical Hollywood genre, but the story-telling suits our nativity.