In 'Kalyanam Kamaneeyam', Santosh Shoban has played a husband's role for the second time in his career. Priya Bhavani Shankar is the film's heroine. The film will hit the screens on January 14.

In this interview, the 'Ek Mini Katha' actor talks about the UV Concepts production, working with new director Anil Kumar Aalla', and the film's technical team.

The actor is also doing an action thriller. He will be seen in a film under Nandini Reddy's direction later this year. It is produced by Vyjayanthi Movies.

Highlights:

Having a release for Sankranthi is every actor's dream. So, I am excited naturally. As for the competition, it's inevitable. For the past few pandemic years, the Sankranthi race hasn't been this exciting. It's not about numbers and all. I am not coming with any baggage. 'Varsham', directed by my father, was also released on January 14 (in 2004). I see it as a blessing from the Universe. It couldn't have happened if we had planned it.

Both 'Ek Mini Katha' and 'KK' were made for theatres. The first one couldn't be released in theatres. 'KK' is a perfect communal experience. When the script came my way during the making of 'EMK', I got in touch with director Anil Kumar Aalla'. I have mostly done fun-oriented movies so far. 'KK' is a proper family entertainer. It's an emotional drama with honest story beats. For the director, it is a personal story. That's why he was intent on not commercializing it.

In capers and comedies, I was loud. In 'KK', I play Shiva who is mature and has nothing gimmicky about him. My mother took care of me and my brother when we were jobless. I don't think it has to be spoken about as an embarrassment. 'KK' is a relatable film because a lot of people we know are jobless like him. Conventionally, films end with the lead pair getting married. Where others end, the story of our film starts.

Joblessness is not the mainstay of the film. It's just one aspect. The build-up to the conflict and the journey toward the climax will enthuse the audience. When I was dubbing for the movie, I was shocked to see Shiva's muted behaviour. Why is he not egoistic? Questions like those came to my mind. Priya Bhavani has brought her experience to the character. She is a debutante in Tollywood but has done many Tamil movies.

Shravan Bharadwaj's music is superb. The songs in this film further the narrative. We needed someone who is genuine, honest and had a certain musical sensibility. Shravan had it. Cinematographer Karthik Gattamaneni is versatile. Just last year, he did 'Kartikeya 2' and 'Dhamaka'. He is a filmmaker himself and his work is terrific. This is my third release with UV Creations. I am ready to do thirty more films with him.

I have got to work with some of the most talented directors so early in my career. I have worked very hard to be in this place. It took lots of sleepless nights. Maruthi anna, Merlapaka Gandhi, Nandini Reddy with whom I am working.. I have learned equally from debutant director Anil. One of the biggest learnings from 'KK' is that, as a performer, you have to be honest with the scene. You shouldn't imagine audiences' reactions and tailor-make your acting to that.

'Like Share & Subscribe' failed because of a lack of emotional connection. I stand by the film. I didn't have a hunch that it would fail. It was made to entertain the audience. Its failure took a toll on me. Previous flops were easier to make peace with. I am not being modest. But 'LSS' was not like that. I had so many expectations from it.

All my life, my mother has worked hard as a single mother. Finally, I and my younger brother have made it. This sort of success can't be measured.

This Sankranthi, I am going to watch all movie releases in the order of their release.

Prabhas anna is a hero and I am his fan. That's our relationship. He is India's biggest star who has been promoting my movie through bytes, trailer releases et al since my first movie.