Kartikeya Gummakonda headlines 'Chaavu Kaburu Challaga', which is all set to hit the screens on March 19. Ahead of its release, the 'RX 100' actor has expressed confidence that 'CKC' will define his career in the coming years. Catch him talk about his character and other aspects of the Friday release.

How did this film happen and what was your reaction when you landed a project with Geetha Arts/GA2 Pictures?

I received a call from Geetha Arts. GA2 Pictures has produced mainly successful films such as 'Geetha Govindam'. So, I was naturally excited about the call. As I reached their office, I was introduced to Koushik Pegallapati as a debutant director. He is so young and I was expecting that he would narrate a softcore subject like 'Pelli Choopulu'.

But he narrated a subject that comes with a mature philosophy. I was amazed that a young director could pen such a story.

It's not every time that a Telugu actor gets to play the driver of a hearse. How was it to play the role?

As you said, the very character is exciting. The premise of 'CKC' is instantly appealing. And, believably, he falls in love with a widow. By this, you can see that the film has got both fun and emotions at its core. Bollywood director Rajkumar Hirani has mastered the craft in this regard. I am not saying 'CKC' is like his movies. The zone is different.

What is the philosophy that 'CKC' is talking about?

I can't reveal it but suffice it to say that, a song says that we have to see both birth and death equally. While death is inevitable, most of us behave as though we are going to live forever.

How was it working with Lavanya Tripathi, who is a widow in the movie?

It was a nice experience. I remember watching her debut movie, 'Andala Rakshasi', with my friends in my college days. After all these years, I have played her lead man in a movie. It means there has been progress in my life. My character, Basthi Balaraju, woos her and says that it's expected of the driver of a hearse to fall in love with a widow.

It seems you are confident of scoring a hit this time. Isn't it?

The vibes are positive. I had this feeling before the release of 'RX 100'. I somehow felt that it will become a hit. Same goes for 'CKC'.

Coming to Basthi Balaraju, how challenging was it to play the role?

I must say that I went by whatever my director had visualized. In terms of language, Balaraju speaks in the Vizag dialect. This is a first for me. Hitherto, I had played only neutral lingo characters. Since I have friends who speak in the Vizag slang, I could pick it up easily.

After 'RX 100', you went on to deliver a few flops. How do you see the phase?

It's true and I seem to have misjudged some scripts. I have to take the entire script into consideration before saying yes. They are a learning experience. For me, I don't have a Godfather. That said, I am not in a tearing hurry to become a megastar or something. Coming to accepting criticism, I am open to it. At times, I have felt somewhat bad about criticism but that is only to be expected. After all, why should the audience buy into a film all the time?

You are doing an important role in the big-ticket Tamil movie 'Valimai'. Tell us about that.

I am glad to be working with H Vinoth, who is the director of Karthi's 'Khaki'. 'Valimai' has given me the opportunity to work with a great human like Ajith garu. There is always something to learn from him every second. It's a blessing to be working with Ajith garu.

Recently, you had the chance to share the dais with Allu Arjun at the pre-release event. What is your feeling like?

He is a chilled person who doesn't behave like he is a big star. He treats us, youngsters, in a friendly manner.