Actor Rahul Ramakrishna is basking in the success of 'Jathi Ratnalu', which released last Thursday. In this interview, he talks about the film, working with director Anudeep KV and his co-star of several films Priyadarshi, his future projects and more.

Excerpts:

We had our doubts

The doubt was about whether the audience would love our comedy in 'Jathi Ratnalu'. A joke that works for us might not work for the rest of the world. That was the only doubt we had. But the audience's response has exceeded our expectations.

Anudeep is a matchless talent

Director Anudeep KV watches a lot of world cinema. He can lighten any serious moment. He is good at satire. Anudeep's kind of humour was adapted by me and I started cracking those jokes with people around me. They would laugh out loud. Nobody can match Anudeep's sense of humour. When he writes a witty one-liner, it is at another level.

An all-out comedy

It helped matters that Prabhas garu launched our trailer. The film may not have a story but that is beside the point. It's an all-out comedy that is laughing at us!

From journalism to films

I am not sleeping for more than 4 hours a day. There was a time when I wanted to become a film journalist. I then tried my hand at crime reporting. I was given the Old City beat. I couldn't pull it off because it demanded a lot of work. I couldn't move around police stations.

Awesome producers

It was 'Arjun Reddy' that gave me my first break. It was great working with Swapna Cinema (Nag Ashwin, Swapna and Priyanka Dutt). They don't make the artists feel that you are working with senior producers. They move with you like they are your friends.

Working with Priyadarshi

I and Priyadarshi have done 'Mithai' and 'Brochevarevarura'. The first one was a flop. The second one was a hit, triggering a series of combination roles for us. We were seen earlier this month in 'A1 Express'. We have become a Buy1 Get1 combo in the industry. I and Priyadarshi are in the industry at the right time.

Keeping the beard

After 'Arjun Reddy', the first big project I landed was 'Bharat Ane Nenu'. Koratala Siva garu asked me to continue the bearded look. I will remove the beard once I need to!

I take up exciting roles only

Most of the characters that are offered to me are run-of-the-mill ones. I reject them. I take up only new kinds of characters. I don't plan things in life. As I told you, I wanted to become a film reporter and I am here. Recently, I did an action sequence for a film titled 'Why?'. I loved doing it. I am planning to beef up and try some interesting roles.

Doing non-Telugu movies

I don't mind playing a political character. I can speak Hindi fluently. I am working in Bollywood as well. As for Tamil, I don't know the language. I have to learn it before taking up Tami films.

My mother is my best critic

I don't have a personal life. It has been four days since I saw my mother. I don't have a girlfriend or fiance in life. My mother never asks me to get married. She has given up on me. She cuts me to size if she feels I am getting egoistic. I am yet to take her to the theatre to watch 'Jathi Ratnalu' because she is not yet vaccinated. She is my best and worst critic. The day she is satisfied with my performance in a film, I will feel happy.

Doing 'RRR'?

People are asking me what is my character in 'RRR'. Who told you I am doing that film? (smiles). I have only said that I am doing a big film. I haven't named it yet.