Vaishnav Tej's 'Konda Polam' hits the screens this Friday. In this interview, catch him talk about the movie, which is directed by Rakul Preet Singh.

Excerpts:

The subject is quite fresh. It's something I haven't heard before. Above all, I love Krish garu's movies. I like his making values. When a call came from him, I first thought that he wanted to meet me casually. After I listened to the story, I assumed that the film would happen after 'Hari Hara Veera Mallu'. To my surprise, the project was launched immediately.

When I listened to the story of 'Konda Polam', 'Uppena' hadn't been released in theatres. I like Krish garu's 'Vedam' and 'Gamyam'. I felt happy when I bagged the chance with him. 'Konda Polam' has got its share of commercial values. It's also a message film. After 'Rangasthalam', we are connecting with the emotional aspects of movies better.

I essayed the role of a fisherman in 'Uppena'. I had to go for a proper makeover. And in 'Konda Polam', too, I have a rugged look. My third film will be a commercial love story. My look is going to be different in it.

Since I was cooped up at home during the first wave of the pandemic, it was a bit difficult to immediately join the shoot of 'Konda Polam'. We used to walk 3 kilometers every day up and down the mountain. It was not that hard. What was harder was to wear the face masks in the scorching heat. The first three days were really difficult. But I got used to it after that.

'Konda Polam' is the story of a youngster who grows in life from nowhere. He loves the forest, he falls in love with a girl. The story and the characterization are refreshing. Unlike in 'Uppena', I have spoken in specific slang here.

There was a lot to learn from the senior actors who acted in our movie. They can narrate the dialogues easily. I used to be tensed in the beginning. Kota Srinivas Rao garu and Sai Chand garu have given superb performances.

My film with director Gireesaya is produced by Bobby garu. It's a rom-com. Shooting for 'Konda Polam' in the forest taught me a lot. I couldn't understand the language of the lambs in the beginning. It was fun shooting with them eventually.

I am blessed to have got to work with Keeravani garu. His friend Kaala Bhairava is a good friend of mine. We didn't do any work shops before the shoot. But Krish garu took extra care about the language. As a performer, I look for my director's judgement.

Sai Dharam Tej annayya is recovering fast from the accident. He is undergoing physiotheraphy.

I haven't received any OTT offers. But if something exciting comes my way, I will take them.