Prabhakar, the TV personality-turned-film director, says that 'Next Nuvve' is a comedy, a suspense thriller and a horror. In this interview, he talks about his faith in V4, working with Aadi, Brahmaji and others, and more.

How did your association with V4 start out?

I am glad that I have got to direct the maiden venture of V4, the first first in the combination of Allu Aravind garu, Vamshi-Pramod garu, Bunny Vasu garu and Gnanavel Raja garu.

I had approached Allu Sirish garu with a story. He liked it a lot and directed me to approach Aravind garu, who too loved my story. Since he wanted the second half to be bettered, he asked me to work with a writer known to him. The collaboration didn't somehow work out. When I approached Aravind garu again, he directed me to narrate the script to Bunny Vas garu, who in turn suggested that I should go in for a remake. He asked me to watch a Tamil movie, which I did.

I nativised the script and the writing part was over. However, remake rights were stuck. I went on a pilgrimage to Ayyappa's abode. By the time I returned, the rights were owned by V4. This film is His blessing.

What is the best compliment that you have received?

Bunny Vas garu told me that my narration was as vivid as that of Karunakaran garu. This was a huge compliment. I used to message him every day enquiring him as to when we will be starting this movie. There was a time when I had no work on hand as I had stopped TV two years ago.

Whose decision was it to cast Aadi as the hero?

Choosing Aadi Saikumar was my decision. Bunny Vas garu liked to cast him for the role.

For Aadi, this is the character of a life-time. He has shown so many variations in the movie. Rashmi and Vaibhavi have done a great job.

What kind of difficulties did you face while making 'Next Nuvve'?

I faced several negative comments from people. Some of them ridiculed me for clinging to this production house despite the delays. But, as far as I am concerned, the banner that promised to introduce me is always very huge. I don't have to give an explanation to those who don't understand my situation.

We heard that it didn't take long to complete the shoot once it was started. Is that so?

The entire shoot was completed in just 36 days. It was a single schedule. Since it's not just a horror movie but also a suspense-thriller, night shoots were aplenty. Becuase the schedule was at a stretch, the actors did face their share of problems. Although Brahmaji garu was very busy with other projects, he didn't complain even though he had had to wake up through the night many a time. I think this is one of this best characters ever. He never showed airs because he is a senior.

Are you not going to do television?

I haven't stopped doing TV permanently. I had started a TV serial and just a day before the regular shooting was to begin, my brother was diagnosed with brain tumor. He is in the ICU. As he is the serial's cameraman, I don't want to go ahead with the serial until he is not cured completely.

It's not like I don't want to do TV when I am doing cinema. Chiranjeevi garu and NTR garu did the both simultaneously.

What is your upcoming movie?

I am already doing a rom-com in the production of Maruthi garu. He has written the dialogues and the story. Sumanth Shailandra, who has already scored a hit in Sandalwood, is the film's hero. Almost 75 percent of the movie is done.