Mega family's actor-producer Naga Babu looks forward to the release of 'Naa Peru Surya' on May 4.  In this interview, he sounds confident and says that he is in a happy space.  Catch him throw light on some recent controversies, among others.  

Your last film as a producer was 'Orange', something that left a bad taste in the mouth.  It was a disaster and you were affected financially.  You almost went bankrupt and but for your brothers Pawan Kalyan and Chiranjeevi, you wouldn't have been able to bounce back.  What made you take up an ambitious project like 'Naa Peru Surya' after all these years?

When 'Orange' (2010) flopped, it felt like I am not fit to be a producer.  I have always felt bad that I couldn't give Ram Charan a hit after a landmark movie like 'Magadheera'.  More than the financial loss I had to suffer, the film led to pain in me.  That's why I stayed away from film production for many years.  I continued to do shows and serials.  

It was three years ago that Allu Aravind garu came to me and told me I should take up production again.  I was reluctant.  But when Allu Arjun too told me the same thing, it had me thinking hard.  With the strength that Aravind garu gave me, I could once again venture into production.  

What was your involvement in the making of 'NPS' as a co-producer?

When it's a big star, everything goes as per a strict plan.  It's all systematic.  I would not go to the sets of 'NPS' every day.  Our Executive Producer Bunny Vas took care of almost everything.

Tell us your experience of working with Vakkantham Vamsi.

I have known Vamsi since the time he was working with Dasari Narayana Rao garu.  He is a very good writer.  He can be great at writing emotionally appealing scenes.  His next film too could be in the Mega compound. 

Allu Arjun as Surya seems to be on a roll.  What's his character like?

As a soldier, there is a certain discipline about Surya.  He is a serious-minded guy.  But his character does give rise to some humorous situations.  

After you went down post the release of 'Orange', people must have written you off.  However, you are now in a comfortable position.  Isn't it?

I am happy to have re-entered the field as a producer after all these years.  I have also been busy as a judge of the 'Jabardasth' show.  My son (Varun Tej) is doing well with consecutive hits.  My daughter (Niharika) is choosing nice characters.  I must say that this is the best phase for me.  I wish things continue to be like this!

Now that your son is going great guns, are you planning to produce a film with him as the hero?  

I don't have any intentions to capitalize on his form.  He has four films on hand and is keen on choosing many more interesting stories.  At this point of time, I have no plans to produce a film with him.  It may happen in future.

At the recent 'Naa Peru Surya' event, Allu Aravind kicked up a storm by saying that some media houses will try to spread negative talk against the film.  How do you see it?

We are feeling bad that such plans are on.  It's days before the release of 'NPS'.  Already, some of them are writing it off.  I and Aravind garu are feeling bad about this!  I don't understand why such negativities are being spread.

What new changes have you observed in the industry over the years?

With the advancements in technology, audiences are expecting much more from even regional movies more than ever in the past.  That's why directors and producers are keen on making superior quality movies.  In future, small-budget movies may not even be out in the theatres.  People may have to view them on newer platforms.  It doesn't affect the profit margins of producers/distributors even if a movie is played on a digital platform early on.  These days, the life of a movie is just three weeks.  

In recent days, there have been rumours that Tollywood is looking at boycotting a few news channels.  What's the truth?

There is no truth in these reports.  We are only serious about implementing new reforms for making the industry a better place.

In recent weeks, Mega fans have been accused of trolling a couple of individuals.  What's your take?

Pawan Kalyan and I have always said that fans shouldn't react on irrelevant issues.  That said, we have some folks who speak out of turn in order to grab publicity.  When fans troll them, these folks accuse us of not being able to control them!  How fair is it?  We can't be expected to tell everyone to be silent!

What are your upcoming movies as an actor?

I am doing a special role in the NTR-Trivikram Srinivas movie.  The film has a faction backdrop and my character will be seen in the initial scenes.  Besides this one, I am also doing the Vijay Devarakonda-Parusuram movie.