'Jathi Ratnalu' is running to packed houses in theatres. In this interview, Priyadarshi talks about working on the film, what has worked big-time for it and more.

The comedy actor throws light on working with director Anudeep KV, actor Naveen Polishetty and producer Nag Ashwin. He also talks about his upcoming movies.

Excerpts:

It was Rahul Ramakrishna who had listened to the script of 'Jathi Ratnalu' first. He gushed about the movie in my presence and I wanted to do the film. I told my manager to get in touch with the team of the film. When I listened to the narration, I was in splits.

Every actor has got their unique comic timing. Although we enjoyed while doing 'Jathi Ratnalu', we were not sure whether the audience would laugh for the silly jokes. But a week after the film went on the floors, we became confident. On-set improvs helped.

Director Anudeep KV is a filmmaker with great conviction. Even small jokes have clicked well with the audience. My years of experience has come in handy. It's my directors who have shaped my career. I surrender to their vision.

Nag Ashwin is a collaborator and not just a producer. With producers like him and Swapna akka, there is a lot of unlearning and relearning that happens.

When the trailer came out, we thought that a couple of big names will support our movie now that Prabhas garu had released the trailer. It feels rewarding that Allu Arjun garu and Mahesh Babu garu have tweeted about our movie.

'Jathi Ratnalu' is a clean comedy. There is no victimizing or vulgarity. Many are happy and endorsing our movie because of this reason. Jandhyala garu must be happy somewhere.

The banter between the three friends is like a flow. The dialogues are entirely by Anudeep KV. It feels nervous when you want to make others laugh. With movies like 'Naandhi', it is not that challenging. And I don't resort to cheap comedy. In 'Brochevarevarura', too, it is not slapstick at all.

I am doing a Telugu-Tamil bilingual with Sharwanand, and it is produced by Dream Warrior Pictures. The film is in the post-production phase. It will proably release in June or July. I am also doing a web series for Aha. A sequel to 'Mail' is being mooted. Nothing is finalized as yet because the script is not yet ready.

The impact of the likes of Kota Srinivas Rao garu has been strong on me. I feel tensed somewhat about whether I will get the right kind of movies and roles. But I have no plans to be big. I must have done 50 movies in the last 5 years.

I listen to a lot of stories, some of which strike the right chord. I give my 100% if the story touches me.

'Jathi Ratnalu' is my second film with Brahmanandam garu, the first one being 'Nela Ticket'. I got to interact with him during the making of 'JR'.

I like political dramas a lot. It's an unexplored genre. It doesn't mean that I want to play a politician. You are identified by the last film you did. As an actor, I want to constantly break the mould. I don't want to be bracketed. I want to be an actor and not a life-long comedian or antagonist.

My wife is a ficitonal writer. We discuss a lot about society, human psychology, etc. I don't know whether I will wield the megaphone some day. Direction is a tough job.

The Mega family heroes encouraging. Varun Tej and Sai Dharam Tej laud my choices. I am glad that Chiranjeevi garu and Venkatesh garu have appreciated my acting in the past.