Akhil Akkineni says that 'Mr. Majnu', which releases on January 25, is a film for all kinds of audiences. In this interview, catch him talk about his character in the rom-com, the experience of working with Venky Atluri, doing a sports film, coping up with the failure of 'Hello' and more.

How was it playing the character of a romantic?

I knew that 'Mr. Majnu' will take 1.5 years to be completed. This is a character-driven story. So, it was very exciting to do the movie. The entire first half depends on the hero's character. The actual story begins in the second half. Vicky (Akhil) could be established as a playboy in the Trailer. For me, as an actor, it was very challenging because things depend on my character in this film. Almost 20-30 minutes of the movie depends on the energy of Vicky.

Vicky loves girls, the girls love him. The word 'Mr' in the title suggests that he is a much younger Majnu. He is a playboy turned lover boy. In real life, I am nothing like a playboy. I am very much single. I hope to find some free time and mingle with people and find a girl.

Two films later, what kind of a space are you in?

Over-expectations have been my worst enemy. Going through pressure has been my biggest enemy. I have tried to be something that I am not. I am finally in a space where I am not trying to meet any pre-set expectations. There is nothing in doing things gradually. I don't know if it's my fault or someone else's fault. 'Mr. Majnu' is my way of saying that I am setting out with basics.

How do you see the performance of your first two movies?

My first film, 'Akhil', was a washout disaster. I was a newcomer and it was very difficult to come out of it. 'Hello' was about getting the audience's trust back. 'Hello' didn't do as well as was expected. Had it been my first film, the BO numbers would have been different. We took a lot of time to make the film. Dad's involvement was intense. It takes time to gain the audience's trust. I am taking one baby step at a time.

What are your takeaways from your director?

Humour and family emotions are integral to Telugu cinema. 'F2' has become so successful, you see. Venky (Atluri) has taken a proper Telugu film sensibility in 'Mr. Majnu'. He has been inspired by films like 'Ninne Pelladatha' and directors like Trivikram. He doesn't copy anybody. Venky has made this film in this style with the intention of showing me in a new way, including looks. I had to change my body language. He made me stop my jaw movements. He suggested minor changes to my mannerisms. I and he share a very interactive relationship. I openly suggest changes to him. He argues in his own way.

How was it shooting for the movie? How is it different from 'Tholi Prema', Venky's debut movie?

We shot it abroad for 43 days or so. This is also a road film at one level. This is a young, energetic love story. In terms of scale, 'Mr. Majnu' is more than 'Tholi Prema'. So, there are action scenes. Vicky's scenes with his family members are refreshing.

You have worked so hard on the title song. You are sporting abs in it. Tell us about that.

There is no flaunting of muscles. Close-up shots flaunting the abs is not there in the song. The title track comes with a new style of edit. Thaman's soundtracks have been accepted by the audience.

What's Nagarjuna's involvement in the making?

Dad did hear the script and give his inputs. After the film is over, he does give inputs. But when he is not the producer, he doesn't force it. Those who work on a film become too involved with the subject. A disconnected person can be a good judge. That's why filmmakers seek suggestions from individuals.

What are your immediate plans?

My next film will belong to an extremely different genre. I am 25 and I don't want to miss out on love stories. So, I will come back to love stories after trying a different thing.

As a cricket-lover, why don't you do a cricket-based movie?

When 'MS Dhoni' was made, it worked because it was made in Hindi. I don't think it would be suitable to make such a film in Telugu. In any case, the director has to be extremely knowledgeable to make a sports film. It's about knowing technicalities. I am definitely working on a sports film. I will speak on it later. My intention is to work back-to-back. But technically, it's not possible at times. Just the action sequences of 'Hello' took 40 days spread over two months. So, it was in the making for long.

Are you inclined to doing a multi-starrer?

I am open to doing multi-starrers if something exciting comes. I would love to do a film like 'Expendables' in which 6-7 stars are there. The shooting experience, too, will be so much fun.