Ahead of the release of 'Savyasachi' on November 2, Naga Chaitanya talks about the film, its concept, his future projects and more.

What made you go for the project?

Chandoo Mondeti narrated the line to me for the first time during the making of 'Premam'. Three months after the release of 'Premam', he gave the full narration, complete with all the commercial ingredients.

I trust Chandoo a lot because he did the impossible task of remaking 'Premam' from Malayalam. He is a new-age filmmaker who thinks up new ideas. In the beginning, there was some fear but after watching the rushes of the first schedule, I grew confident.

What is the concept of Vanishing Twin Syndrome in the movie?

It's for real. Sometimes, VTS might result in a split personality. Sometimes, it results in alien hand syndrome. We have studied real-life cases in writing the script. It's not fictional.

Your character slapping on a girl's back in the Trailer is reminiscent of that 'Hello Brother' shot featuring your father and Ramya Krishna. Are there any similarities?

(Smiles) There are no similarities between 'Savyasachi' and 'Hello Brother'. In 'Savyasachi', twins are in the same body.

It seems you have danced a lot in this film. Isn't it? Also, whose idea was it to have a remixed version of 'Ninnu Road Meeda'?

Dancing is not easy for me. The dance choreographer has to be thanked for making me dance well. As for the remix, since the subject is serious, Chandoo felt there should be something entertaining in the second half.

The film seems to be more commercial than most of your films. Was it all conscious or organic?

We planned them consciously. We wanted to cater to everyone by blending such ideas with the story. If it's just about the syndrome, the film would look small. Thanks to the producers, we could afford to scale up the script. More and more layers were added. The first half is entertaining and it explains the syndrome, among others. The second half is like a thriller involving my character and Madhavan's.

What exactly is your left hand doing in the story?

There is a conflict between me and my left hand. The left hand has a mind of its own. In the second half, I and my left hand are united! We have designed larger-than-life stunts in the film. We have justified such stunts by attributing superpowers to the left hand.

Mythri Movie Makers has spent a bomb on 'Savyasachi'. Isn't it?

Honestly, the film didn't need this much of budget. But the producers trusted the story and spent so much even at the cost of delaying the release. Be it CG works or other stuff, they spent liberally on everything.

Do you approve of the practice of reshoots?

It's not like reshoots are a must. There are instances where we have felt changes should have been made before a film's release. So, even improvements can be made, why not?

How was it working with Madhavan?

It was a great experience. He continues to set a trend through films like 'Vikram Vedha' and 'Rocketry'.

How was it working with Nidhhi Agerwal and Keeravani?

Nidhhi is a nice dancer and we felt the story needs a fresh face. Keeravani garu's RR is superb, especially in the second half. The title track is superb. The retro song is another exciting proposition. Those belonging to that generation will surely love it.

How do you see the response to 'Shailaja Reddy Alludu'?

I am happy that the film collected big on Day 1. It's my career's biggest opening. I involve myself in every script without crossing the line. I can't overstep my brief as an actor. You have to respect your director. I was excited about the movie when Maruthi garu narrated the story. But the mistakes in the film couldn't be judged in advance.

Art director Ramakrishna worked on 'Savyasachi'. Tell us about him.

Ramakrishna garu is super talented. We should be proud of him. I have seen his work for 'Anthariksham', whose sets were erected at Annapurna Studios. His work is Hollywoodish.

Will you team up with Chandoo again? When is 'Venky Mama' going on the floors?

Let 'Savyasachi' release and become a hit first. I would be happy to work with Chandoo once again. I will start working on 'Venky Mama' in December.

Tell us about your film with Shiva Nirvana and Samantha. Does your and Samantha's character have fights in the movie?

The pair has differences in the script. It's difficult to have arguments in the film because we don't quarrel in real life (Laughs). Shiva Nirvana's thoughts are mature and relatable. I am confident that the realistic film will connect with all.

How is life after marriage?

There is a balance in life now. I feel more fulfilled. I feel strong and am confident of doing anything! I can take ups and downs with equanimity. I am happy to be working with her in Nirvana's film.