Vijay Deverakonda has a big day this Friday. His maiden production venture,'Meeku Mathrame Cheptha', is up for release. Having invested almost three-fourths of his savings on this rom-com that has been directed by a newcomer, the actor-producer is keeping his fingers crossed. Catch him talk a lot about his film.

That's why I am not the hero

Initially, this film was supposed to have me as the male lead. That was when 'Arjun Reddy' hadn't released. After 'AR', things changed. The script didn't quite suit my age. My choices happened to be different, ranging from 'NOTA', 'Taxiwaala' and 'Dear Comrade'.

Choosing the male lead

When I worked with Tharun Bhascker on 'Pelli Choopulu', I was witness to his ability to act. He would emote entire scenes. I knew for sure that only him and Naveen Polishetty ('Agent Sai Srinivas Athreya' hero) would alone suit 'MMC'. I chose Tharun in the end. He accepted the offer quite reluctantly but gave his all.

Giving newcomers a platform

There was a time when I had no clue how to pay my rents. From that, I have reached his position only because of my directors and producers. Providing a platform to young, talented short filmmakers is like paying back. I want to boost their careers because my career has been boosted by some wonderful people.

My dad was not fine with it initially

As someone hailing from a middle-class background, I know how youngsters are taught to avoid taking risks. When I shot off the idea that I would become a producer, my dad (Vardhan Deverakonda) was not really fine with it. He wanted me to focus completely on acting. He gave in later. I am trying to explore the various possibilities offered by production.

Staking my all

I have invested in 'MMC' as much as 70 percent of what I had saved from all my films and ads. I went ahead with courage. I would have the avenue to earn back money from my acting assignments should this film not make money.

Gave them all

As a producer, I provided my director Shammeer Sulthan with everything that he wanted. Beyond that, I didn't interfere anywhere. In fact, I wouldn't be on the sets of the film more than once. Also, 'MMC' wouldn't have been a completed product but for my dad and others behind the scenes. As a producer, I have learned on the go. I am learning on the go. I now have the strength to make movies.

A laughter ride

All that I can say is, 'MMC' will leave you with a smile while watching. I think it will definitely connect with the audience, given the nature of the subject.

Appetite for risk

I am someone who has developed an appetite for risk. With 'MMC', I went ahead keeping complete faith in the people.

'Hero' will take time

The film has huge action set pieces. Just the pre-visualization is taking a lot of time. I have participated in most of the pre-visualization sessions. Two more are yet to be completed. The multi lingual movie will go on the floors after 'Fighter', which will go on the floors in January.

On 'World Famous Lover'

The film is almost completed. Post-production works might take time depending on how director Kranthi Madhav goes about it. I will shoot for a week or so and will be done with my part.

Working with Puri, Shiva Nirvana

Puri Jagannadh garu is coming up with something really different in 'Fighter'. You will see a new him. I am also committed to doing a film with 'Majili' fame Shiva Nirvana.