After 'Soggade Chinni Nayana' and 'Raarandoi Veduka Chuddam', it's but natural that Kalyan Krishna deserves a hat-trick. 'Nela Ticket', starring Ravi Teja in the lead, is up for a grand release on May 25. In this interview, the director talks about the film, working with Mass Maharaja, the awaited project 'Bangarraju' and more.

The title suggests that your film is massy. Do you agree?

While I watched a number of films sitting in the 'nela ticket' zone, I don't agree with the contention that the very words suggest something related only to 'mass'. The words suggest the emotion of the common people who lap up a film for its entertainment value. They are not bothered about logic. As for my film, it's a thorough family entertainer with all the elements in the right dose.

The trailer is enough to conclude that 'NT' is tailor-made for Ravi Teja. Did you write the script keeping him in view?

When 'Rarandoi Veduka Chuddam' became a big hit, I wrote 'NT' with a big hero in mind. I, however, couldn't do the film with him. It was a chance meeting with Ravi Teja that heralded the project. I narrated him this film quite unplanned. And he didn't take much time to give the nod. And just so that the script is apt for him, I made suitable changes keeping his image and comedy timing in mind.

What is your assessment after you made the film with Mass Maharaja?

I would say that none but only he could have pulled it off this well. Nobody else would have been this great. His comic timing and intensity were best captured by the film 'Vikramarkudu'. In 'NT', you will find both. The hero's character has a strong emotional value. The Censor members too liked him.

You have worked with three established names so far. What is your style of working with them?

Since Nagarjuna garu is a very big star, I went by his suggestions in making 'SCN'. With Naga Chaitanya, I had a great comfort level. As such, I could put across my point to him in my own way. As for Ravi Teja garu, I have known him for years and I am pretty much close to him. I can be as free as it can get. If we could complete 'NT' in a short time, it's because of this level of equations.

Ravi Teja's last film, 'Touch Chesi Chudu', was a big flop. Is that factor weighing you down?

I have faced this question from many. I would like to say that Mass Maharaja has delivered many hits and flops in his career. (TCC's failure won't affect in any way).

You were a bit emotional about Ravi Teja while speaking at the audio release function of 'NT'. What's the reason?

As I said, I have known him for many years now. And he is one of those heroes who has helped several directors by encouraging them in different ways. He has introduced several directors over the years. He is a director's actor and he submits to his vision. He is full of gusto while doing a film. When he is at it, it's difficult for you to say 'Cut'! He is so committed as an actor that, as soon as he was done with 'NT', he joined the sets of Mythri Movie Makers' film the very next day!

Tell us about the film's music.

Shaktikanth has given his best output. Even today, he is busy working on better mixing. He concentrates on only one film at a time.

Weren't' you supposed to do 'Bangarraju' with Nagarjuna?

I will be making the film with him for sure. While Bangarraju will be there as the same person, the story will be entirely new. As things stand, I will meet the hero soon to give a narration.

Given the success of films like 'Mahanati', are you going to experiment in future?

Filmmaking is a high-stakes game. The image of the hero, the money of the producer, etc are involved. Films like 'Rangasthalam' and 'Mahanati' belong to a genre of their own. They are not experiments. It's just that they were told realistically. I like to make into films what I like to watch.