Priya Prakash Varrier awaits the release of her debut movie 'Lovers Day' on February 14. Ahead of the film's release, she talks about the movie, handling fame, why she wants to outgrow the 'national crush' tag, missing an Allu Arjun film and more.

How difficult was it to handle the sudden surge of fame for you after the 'wink video clip' from your movie went viral last year?

Initially, it was difficult to handle the fame. Slowly, I got used to it. Everything was new to me as well as my family. I was in boarding school back then. For a few days, I was house-arrested as my parents were tensed. The media people would turn up often. They wouldn't even inform me beforehand. I had to give interviews in college uniform at times. My dad used to make up stories, saying that I was not at home.

Your followers on Instagram grew up exponentially last year after the viral video. How do you see social media?

Everything has two sides. Social media has its pros and cons. It has only helped me positively. It's a regional movie and one song going viral was a big thing. So, SM's relevance to my life is very high. Most of my followers on SM are from outside Kerala. It's a platform to connect with them, interact with them. I am active on Instagram, etc. I keep my followers entertained by doing different things.

You got a lot of offers after the viral video. Did you reject them owing to remuneration issues? Or is there some other reason?

I did get so many offers from different industries, including Telugu. But I couldn't commit to any project because of my first movie keeping me busy. That's why I couldn't commit. No remuneration issues were there. There were a few offers in Telugu. Even now, a few offers are there. I definitely missed an opportunity to work with Allu Arjun sir.

What turns you on when it comes to accepting a role?

I listen to stories, sometimes with my dad. I go by the scope that a role offers to me in terms of performance.

How do you see the controversy over 'Sridevi Bungalow? Boney Kapoor has slapped a legal notice on the makers.

I have only heard about the controversy from media reports. I have not received any legal notice. I don't like controversies. At the end of the day, it's publicity for our movie. I would prefer to stay away from negativity. If the Teaser shows any resemblance, that's just an element that creates curiosity in the movie. It's nothing but creativity. I accepted the movie because it's female-oriented. The script gave me enough scope to show my talent.

Do you see yourself as a national crush, a wink girl?

I want to outgrow the 'wink girl' tag. My childhood dream was to become an actress. I want to do more as an actress and prove myself. I have no cine background. I have always shown interest in movies, reading about them. Everything related to movies excites me.

How has your life changed in the past year?

Nothing changed at college. My friends were very happy. In my all-girls college, I get so much support from my friends. Whenever I get on the stage to sing a song etc, they cheer. I enjoy going out with my friends. I am now doing those normal things that I used to do before.

What would you say about 'Lovers Day?

The film is releasing in four languages simultaneously on Feb 14. It has been more than one year since we have been shooting. All of us are newcomers. It's about school life and there are 6 songs in it.

How do you cope up with criticism?

Initially, criticism used to bother me as I didn't know how to handle it. People started putting me down all of a sudden after doing the other extreme. The last one year has given me so much experience. I think I have learned a lot of things. Everything has been special. Every moment of living has been special. I have shot for different things, including commercials.

What was your reaction when people of a particular community filed cases against your viral song last year?

There were cases filed in Hyderabad. An arrest call too happened. The director and the producer were very tensed. All of a sudden, they would call me and tell me the song would be withdrawn. By then, the song was a huge hit. To me, it was a sad moment to learn that it might be pulled out. Fortunately, a lot of religious leaders came forward in our support. Even the Supreme Court gave us a positive judgement.

Lastly, Allu Arjun is going to be the chief guest for tomorrow's event. Your comments.

We are excited about meeting him during the audio launch. The whole crew is excited. I love the 'gun shot' thing that his son did last year.