Manchu Manoj is back, but this time he is playing a subdued role. In this interview, the actor talks about how he got into the skin of the character, working with Dasaradh, his 'guru' for the second time, his married life, whether Mohan Babu vets his scripts, and more.

You have always been seen in roughie-kinda roles. What care did you take to mould yourself into a subdued role for Shourya?

The audience do expect stunts and such stuff from me. I have that kind of image. Dasaradh wanted to ensure that my character is introduced to the audience as a soft one. What could be done to change my look? Making me wear glasses, plain shirts, inserting the shirt, etc. I think what we wanted to convey was achieved right from the time the first look was released. I don't even do much comedy in this film.

Why did you put on weight for the role?

After all the makeover, the changeover was not complete. So, I put on weight for the role because I was looking like Dhoolpet Pehlwan after having done Attack. I put on 8 kgs. I will take a break because I have to shed my extra weight before I start working for my next film starting from the last week of April.

So, are we going to miss your stunts?

From the beginning, we have been saying that it's a romantic thriller. That's why the caption. You won't miss the fights because absence of my stunts is made good by the thriller elements.

What reference did you have for the character?

When Dasaradh narrated me the story, I told him, 'Guru, I will follow you. You have written yourself. Shourya is an introvert, he doesn't emote overtly but only subtly. Shourya is none other than Dasaradh.

Before and after marriage. What is the key difference? How have you changed as a person?

Nothing much. We used to roam secretly before and now we do it openly. As for changing as an individual, I am the same person having same friends, emotions, etc.

What difference do you find in Dasaradh from the time you did Sri with him?

Both of us were unmarried back then and both of us are married now. Dasaradh is the same passionate man then and now. His immense confidence is intact. His capacity to take control of the set is admirable.

How has Mohan Babu liked Shourya?

Nanna garu always wanted to see me in a subtle character because I am used to doing energetic, hyper-active roles. So, he is really happy with my character in Shourya.

Tell us about working with Regina Cassandra.

Regina is one of the major strengths of the film. The story revolves around her character, Nethra. She is a very talented actor.

What is the reason that you are of late exhorting people to stay away from caste?

Caste consciousness is a reality. Everyone is experiencing this casteist mindset. Caste feeling is getting nasty in every walk of life. It is there in politics. It's there even in the media. It has led to nepotism. I urge people not to watch cinema through the lens of caste. Cinema is an entertainment industry. It is there because people from all castes work together. Caste is dangerous like drugs.

Does Mohan Babu monitor your scripts?

No. I never discuss. He always wanted us to be on our own. I will stand on my own. That's the reason why I have worked with newcomers, new directors from the beginning. I don't want to use my dad. I should one day be able to tell my children, 'You are eating my earning, not your grandpa's'.

Does your wife involve herself in your work? Has she got any plans?

No, my wife doesn't involve. I have known her for 5 years. She is better educated. She has her own business ideas. she wants to start from the scratch. I won't talk much about it because she will not like it. Let her tell all that herself.

Can we expect a film on your love story?

(Laughs). No. For now, we have had a Valentine's day article in a newspaper.

Why have you not sung a song in Shourya?

My voice is apt for a break up song, a drunkard's song. It's not apt for a character which is soft.

When your film doesn't work as expected, what thoughts cross your mind?

I get busy with work. Thank god that we have seen my dad for many years. All that has made me mentally strong to take ups and downs in one's stride.