Naga Shourya awaits the release of 'Chalo' on Feb 2. In this interview, he talks about the film, how it was to produce it, working with his director-friend Venky Kudumula, link-up rumours with Niharika, and more.

Was it a tough call for your parents to produce this movie? How was the whole experience?

It feels good. I like the elephant a lot. Lord Vinayaka is my favourite deity. That's why I have gone with the vehicle of Lord Indra. Bujji uncle and Srinivasa Reddy garu have stood by our side like a backbone. Without them, there wouldn't have been 'Chalo'. I won't let them down. Even though it's our first film in the banner, it has come out really well.

How did the making go?

The making went like a magic. It was neither coming out better than the script or less good than it. Cinematographer Sai Sriram garu's work really did much help. You will understand how important he is to the movie when you will watch it.

We had shot three scenes in eleven days in Guntur. I found that production values are sub-par. When I conveyed this to my mother, she started involving herself more since then.

What about the business thus far?

Our film has got sold out in all centers. We are releasing it on our own in Nizam area. Even Hindi dubbed rights have got sold.

Why did you have to go for the title 'Chalo'?

Initially, it didn't occur to us as to what kind of title we should go for. My dad used to ask us to hurry up with it. I and Venky Kudumula (director) started cogitating over it. It was then that I happened to watch the song 'Le Chalo' from 'Bruce Lee'. Since 'Le Chalo' didn't sound it, we went for just 'Chalo'.

You have known Venky since the days of 'Jadugaadu'. How was it working with the first-time director?

Our working relationship turned into friendship after 'Jadugaadu'. It was great working with him. I can tell that he is going to become a good director. He didn't seek an opportunity with me because he didn't want to lose the friendship. One day, I myself asked him to prepare a story. He told me that the friendship is more valuable to him than a film with me. He then narrated a line. I insisted on another line. He then came up with a crime comedy. Since I see a lot of potential in him to become a commercial director, I asked him for another story. That's when he came up with 'Chalo'.

How was it working with Rashmika Mandanna?

We spotted her in the Kannada film 'Kirrak Party'. She has done quite a neat job. All the elements in the film are going to amuse the audience.

What is your character in the movie?

I am the same rough and jovial person that I am in the real life. Venky designed my character keeping my real persona in mind. Except for those scenes involving the heroine, I am like my own self in all the other scenes.

The story is set in the backdrop of a village bordering Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Tell us more about it.

The story traces the rivalry between a Telugu-speaking village and a Tamil-speaking village. As you have seen in the trailer, those who overstep the fence between these two villages are punished with death! Why I end up in that village is what the premise is about. There are no lectures or fights in the climax.

Since it's your friend who is the director, did you involve in the creative process?

I never used to involve in the creative process in the case of my previous films. Yet, whenever my films failed in the past, it's I who would be held accountable. It has affected me. So, I worked on this story by putting in extra efforts. I sat down with Venky, who worked on the script for 7-9 months. If I didn't like something, I would get it changed. I took up the responsibility on my own. I stopped involving myself once the film went on the floors.

I am very happy with the output, including Mahathi Sagar's music.

Gossip mills have it that you and Niharika are going to get married. Is it true?

I came to know about this gossip only last night when my friends brought it to my notice. I have nothing to do with such rumours. I am going to marry only after 3-4 years, that too only if my parents force me!

What are your upcoming movies?

A film in the direction of cinematographer Sai Sriram will go on the floors in February. It's a love story. I have been waiting to do it for 2.5 years. Later, a film titled 'Narthanashala' in the direction of Srinivas will be made.