Director Venky Atluri's second film, 'Mr. Majnu', hit the screens last Friday. In this interview, he talks about what elements the audiences are loving in the movie, working with Akhil Akkineni, his next projects, NTR's appreciation and more.

What inspired you to write the story of a playboy?

We are getting a positive response from everywhere. ANR garu's character in 'Prem Nagar' is the inspiration behind the movie. Majnu was a charmer. But his life turned out to be sad. In my movie, Vicky (Akhil) is a charmer. To add naughtiness, we put a 'Mr' before the name. At the same time, his ending is not sad at all.

How are you taking all the criticisms?

The general audiencse have not criticized this movie. They have largely accepted the movie. But it's true that some people will always be there who don't like a movie.

Dil Raju's grandson, Aransh, has been introduced with the movie. How is the audience's response to the comedy involving him?

The toddler's comedy in the second half is something everyone is loving. I always wanted an animated character. That boy is just 1.5 years. He is very active for a kid of that age. I observed him and felt that he totally fits the bill. He never took a second take! Subbaraju and Hyper Aadi's comedy is also working very well with the audience.

Coming to Akhil's 'Excuse me, Miss' phrase, why did you go for it?

There has to be a signature line for a character of his ilk. I felt the line from 'Prem Nagar' would be apt is what I felt. Athreya garu's dialogues for that movie were very popular in those times.

How was the experience of working with everyone?

BVSN Prasad garu, Akhil, Thaman and others strongly believed in the script. Nagarjuna garu was the first audience. When he saw the film after the final copy, he was impressed and told us to just relax.

Thaman has given his best, as was the case with 'Tholi Prema'. His RR for the emotional scenes is top-notch. I have a certain comfort level with him, lyricist Srimani and cinematographer George C Williams. They can understand what I want instinctively. Srimani never takes more than 1.5 days to write a song for me. George's frames are always beautiful. I have worked with him for three years. He is almost like a family member.

What about your next project?

We are busy with promotions. Once I am done with all this, I have to sit back and think through about my next project. I have a few lines in mind. The genre I will deal with will depend on the circumstances. Love stories are my comfort zone. I do have a commitment with Mythri Movie Makers. I usually don't take advance amounts. My principle is that a producer shouldn't lose interest amount by paying me advance and wait for me for an indefinite period of time. I am superstitious about one thing. If I talk about my plans, I fear that they may not materialize. So, let me keep mum about my next project.

When are you going to direct NTR?

NTR garu had never told me about how he found 'Tholi Prema'. He opened up for the first time during the recent 'Mr. Majnu' event. I need a lot of experience and strength to be able to direct an actor like him. Since my first film was a hit, I enjoy goodwill in the industry. But as far as the audiences are concerned, they accept each film on its own merits.

Why did you give up acting and turned to writing?

I was a forced actor, not a natural one. I was never comfortable as an actor. When I started enjoying writing, I lost interest in acting. I am influenced by Mani Ratnam garu and Trivikram garu. I like the latter for simplifying situations and writing. I have always got inspired by him.