As 'Kaashmora' braces up for a grand Diwali release, actor Karthi speaks to IndiaGlitz about the characters he is playing in this fantasy, why and when 'Baahubali' became the benchmark film for the makers and more.

What is the genre of the movie?

'Kaashmora' is a huge film made over a period of two years and with a huge team. If you ask me to describe the genre, I would say it's a fantasy-horror-thriller-historical movie. There are all these elements and also entertainment doled out in the form of comedy. Even while being serious, the humor quotient is significant.

You are playing three characters in the movie. Brief us about them.

Kaashmora, the main character, is into black magic. Raj Nayak is the war lord of the period portions, which date back to at least 500 years. The other character is a suspense for now. There is a strong dose of heroism.

It's very rarely that one gets to play such a superhuman role. I have done many things for the first time, for example, horse-riding, chariot-racing, etc. One would be ready to do anything for such a character. I took basic training in some of the skills. The director conceived the role in such a way that the performance and appearance of each of the three characters is different from others. A year of research went into all that. We had rehearsals so as to get every expression, every dialogue right.

Vivek is playing my father. It's refreshing that a comedian is playing the male lead's father.

It's because of such exciting elements that the producer reposed so much faith in the script. This is not an experimental movie; it's only entertainment.

There are two heroines. What are their roles?

Nayantara plays Ratna Madhuri, a queen. She is seen for only about 30 minutes. Sri Divya is a researcher who explores the world of evil spirits. She is playing a stylish character she has not done before. Her role comes with a dash of hilarity. In spite of the presence of two heroines, there is no romance in 'Kaashmora', just as is the case with 'Yuganiki Okkadu'. There is no romance, but everything else is there.

'Baahubali' was certainly the film you looked upon as an inspiration. What changed for you after the movie's release last year?

Two days after our movie went to floors, 'Baahubali' came like a dinosaur. After watching the movie, we realized that Rajamouli garu had raised the standard for period dramas. The film is a big inspiration for us. It's because of 'Baahubali' that we learnt to put in so much of detailing into the grand sets, etc. The period portions in 'Kaashmora' are just for 30 minutes. A disadvantage we faced vis-a-vis 'Baahubali' is that the budget is lesser. We have spent Rs. 50-60 cr and it's too big, considering that the director (Gokul) is relatively a newcomer. Nevertheless, Gokul put his soul into the movie.

What about nativity?

Since this is a fantasy flick, nativity is not an issue. Just as a 'Baahubali' is universally appealing, so is 'Kaashmora'. Language is not a bar for certain genres. When he heard the line and the title, PVP garu, the presenter, gave us a thumbs up, saying that the title is familiar to Telugu audience and that the film will be a big hit here.

You have been tied up with the project for too long. Any regrets?

Even though it took 2 years to be completed, I am still happy. Prabhas has been doing 'Baahubali' for so many years, but the result is there for all to see; 'Baahubali' is known internationally. In our case too, when the audience embrace our film, all this time and hard work will be deemed worth it.

Finally, do you in paranormal phenomenon?

I have fear of it and also believe that such spirits exist. I had an experience during my college days. I told the director about it. (Smiles).