When debutante director Gowtam Tinnanuri narrated the script of 'Malli Raava' to Sumanth, the actor had tears in his eyes in the end. Set to release on December 8th, the romantic drama is also fun to watch, says the actor in this interview. Read on...

What is the premise of the film?

It's a romantic drama that unfolds over a time span of 20 years. It's about how the lead pair were separated in childhood, only to reunite after they grow up, only to once again part ways. What finally happens is to be watched.

The childhood episodes and their adulthood are narrated in parallel.

Although the story is simple, the screenplay is novel.

How is 'Malli Raava' different from coming-of-age love stories like 'Premam' and 'Naa Autograph'?

In the films you mentioned, the love stories involve different girls. But that's not the case with our film. For the different time periods, the individuals are the same.

People are reminded of 'Godavari' and 'Sathyam' whenever I do a romantic drama. But they were ingrained with greater amount of commercial elements. In 'MR', the progression of the story is very natural. The songs are also neatly integrated with the story. They are not montage songs. It's the most natural love story I have done since 'Godavari'.

What is your character like in the movie?

Karthik tries to do many things, but he fails to pull off them. He is a sort of underachiever. He is an underdog. But that doesn't mean that he is a pitiable character of the kind the male lead was in 'Sathyam'. The girl is more of an achiever.

In the trailer, you seem rather pained. And you look very good. Your take?

I think I have inherited this trait from my grandfather! In 'MR', there is love, there is longing, etc. Although the trailer doesn't show it, there is a lot of fun as well. And there is a fresh supporting cast.

Are you making choices as different as 'Naruda Donaruda' and 'MR' consciously?

At any given time, I have at least five offers. I am fortunate that I don't have to work for money. I have invested the money I have inherited and earned rather wisely (smiles). I am going to have three films at a time. For another six months, I might not be doing anything.

I got 'MR' when I was looking for a more personal and realistic movie. This is what I have always done.

While 'MR' is a natural love story, my next film is a dark one. A new film will be announced in a week's time.

It's not like I want to stick only to cinema. I would like to give TV, digital world and even radio, which is my favourite medium, a try as long as the content is good.

How did the debutante director contact you?

Gowtam did through mail. I kept postponing a meeting with him for four months. I had zero expectations from him. But I found that he came with a thorough plan. And his narration for the 2 hours we met was great. I listen to at least six stories every week. But this story impressed me the most.

Directors like this are rare. Although wannabes have evolved, it's still a small percentage of them. Maybe, some 10 percent.

We could complete the shooting of 'MR' in 35 days because the pre-production had been undertaken for 9-10 months.

Were you disappionted when 'Naruda Donaruda' failed?

It would have done well, but Demonetization affected it. I think Telugu remakes of Hindi films like 'Bol Bachchan' and 'Band Baaja Baarat' didn't do well. It seems some films are los tin translation.