Mahesh Surapaneni is debuting as a director with 'Kathalo Rajakumari'. As the film releases this Friday (Sept 15), he talks about his background, the film and more.

Tell us about how you got into films.

I hail from Vijayawada. After my graduation, I went to the US to pursue MS. Since films have always been my passion, I joined Teja garu as an assistant and worked on 'Neeku Naku Dash Dash'. I later worked under Paruchuri Venkateshwara Rao garu and Kona Venkat garu. I have been associated with Vyjayanthi Movies for the past 2 years, directing ad films for the banner.

What is Nara Rohith's character in the movie? The trailer is quite confusing with respect to his characterization. Could you please throw some light on it.

He is playing a villain's role for three-fourth part of the movie. How such a full-on villain transforms into a good person is what is the crux of the story. Nara Rohith garu attaches a lot of importance to the story of a film. When he listened to my story, he found the characterization quite refreshing and gave the nod.

What about Naga Shourya's extended cameo? What about Nanditha Raj? Do they drive the story in any way?

The story unfolds in the backdrop of cinema for 15 minutes. Naga Shourya arrives in these portions and stays for 25 minutes in total. As for Nanditha, she has a crucial role. Avasarala Srinivas, too, has a nice role.

Two of the numbers have been composed by Maestro Ilayaraja. Tell us about the response that the film's music has evoked.

The songs have become a hit. Including two bit numbers, there are seven in total. Ilayaraja garu has composed the heroine's introduction song and a teasing song. The other numbers have been composed by Vishal Chandrasekhar.

Are you tensed about the film's BO run, given that four other films are also in the fray? Have you planned about your upcoming movies?

I am not tensed at all. I have two subjects in mind. Discussions are on. I am eagerly waiting for the release of 'Kathalo Rajakumari'.