Nagarjuna is on a high before the release of 'Rarandoi Veduka Chuddam'. In this interview, the producer-actor talks about the characterizations of the lead pair, the offer from the makers of Mohanlal's 'Mahabharatha', and more.

Excerpts from his interview:

You are very confident about the movie. Tell us about what all went right for 'RVC'.

A lot of post-production work has been done. Whatever we could do, we have done it. We completed all works ten days ahead of the release. What I liked the most is the team work. Kalyan Krishna, Sathyanand garu, who comes with 35 years of vast experience, Devi Sri who has given his all for the movie and others have put in a lot of effort in the making. GK Mohan's efforts were important for this movie. Everybody owned the movie. DSP was there in the editing room to get the RR better.

What was your role like as a producer? You are very confident this time.

I was more like a facilitator. I ensured that everything went well through co-ordination, etc.

A producer's responsibility doesn't end with signing the cheques. He is supposed to work. I have learnt this from my father. A producer should create the right environment.

If we are not confident, we better don't do something. As for the result, it's in the audience's hands.

Why have you mentioned 'Ninne Pelladatha' in the context of this movie in the past?

This one is a complete family entertainer. I like 'Ninne Pelladatha' a lot. But the emotions have seen a change in the idiom since then. The relationship dynamics between man and woman have undergone change. How a villager used to be then and how she is now is totally different.

How about Naga Chaitanya?

An actor should expand his dimensions. I think, with this film, Chaitanya will get closer to all sections of audiences. You will see a different Chaitu in the movie. He is more free. He is a lovable character in the movie. Everybody would want a friend like him, a boy friend like him. The scenes between him and Jagapathi Babu are beautiful. The father and son talk just the way he and I talk in real life. Somebody was saying that I had better played the role myself.

May be because of Samantha, he has eased up a lot. He is very happy and it is showing in this film. They say men come into their own only after they cross the age of 30. (Laughs).

When you could do so much for this movie, how come you don't do it every time?

How can I interfere when the producer is someone else? I listen to the story. But how it gets translated into the movie is not in my hands. 'I love you' can be said in different ways by different people. We can't keep correcting the director or writer every time!

I too can't do it throughout the year. One film a year is possible.

Tell us about your director.

Kalyan Krishna has mature sensibilities. When I did 'Hello Brother' and 'President Gari Pellam', I felt that I couldn't do it. The directors asked me to just follow their instructions and I did just that.

Same is the case here. I asked Chaitu to follow whatever Kalyan Krishna asks of him.

Tell us about Rakul Preet's performance.

We were pleasantly surprised to see her performance in the editing room. You will see a different Rakul in the movie. You will be reminded of Sridevi and also Tabu to an extent. She really worked hard on her mannerisms, etc. I should thank her.

How much are you expecting from the movie.

I have already said in the past that I be not asked to talk about clubs (Rs. 50 Cr club, etc. I don't think about them at all.

'Baahubali-2' is shaking the BO. Your comments.

Because Rajamouli garu dreamt big, it has had a positive effect. It's not known how long it's before another such great phenomenon happens. Hats off to the whole team and to Rajamouli garu and his family. He has proved that if you dream big, you might just achieve it.

It's said that you have been approached to play Karna's role in 'Mahabharatham', being made with Mohanlal as the hero.

I have told them that I will do a small role if it's important for the story. If it's not important, I can't do it. The offer is there. Let's see.

As for the idea, it has been mooted 4 years ago itself. I have read one of the works of the screenplay writer. It's great.

How about Chalapathi Rao's objectionable comments about women the other day?

All of us should condemn it. The media too should condemn it. Not just him, whoever makes such comments deserves to be slammed.

How about 'Raju Gari Gadhi-2' and Akhil's movie?

'RGG-2' is little pending. It will take 10 days of shooting before we call it wraps. We will decide about the release once we think through the end product. The action portions of Akhil's movie is done with.

'Bangarraju' may happen in Kalyan Krishna's direction.

You are hand-holding your sons' projects right now. What are you advising your sons these days?

I am telling them to focus on their careers. Both Akhil and Chaitu have it in their to succeed in crafts other than acting as well. I have asked them to learn about production through observation.

Finally, is Samantha calling you 'mama' these days?

(Laughs). She used to call me Sir during the making of 'Manam'. We are used to crack jokes since then. She calls me 'mama' because 'mavayya' is too old-fashioned.