Nithiin awaits the release of 'Chal Mohana Ranga' on April 5. In this interview, he talks about what to expect from the movie, his character in it, Pawan Kalyan, his upcoming movies, and more.

How did this project fall into place?

After 'A Aa', Trivikram Srinivas garu happened to come up with an idea. The story's graph, how the hero's character travels, etc are all his brainchild. Krishna Chaitanya then worked on this idea for eight months. Trivikram garu wanted this to happen as soon as it can because the storyline might become stale 2-3 years down the line.

What can we expect from the film?

The entire first half has a US backdrop. We shot there for 45 days. The second half was shot in Ooty and other places. My character, Mohana Ranga, is a fun guy. His energy levels are too high. It's my first full-fledged comedy role after 'Gunde Jaari Gallanthayyinde'. In fact, the josh you will see in my character is greater than what you saw in 'GJG'.

The last 15 minutes is filled with emotions. 'CMR' is a happy, stress-free movie. It has family emotions and punches in the form of dialogues. It's a clean, family, summer entertainer. Most other films releasing this summer don't belong to this genre.

'Pedda Puli' song has become quite popular. What went into it?

Mohana Ranga's dream is to fly to the US and earn in dollars. He fails the Visa interview thrice. He passes finally in 2018. How he cracks it is fun to watch. His friends start calling him Pedda Puli for pulling it off. That's where the song fits in. Half of the film later, the hero comes back to India.

How did Pawan Kalyan enter the project?

The script work was done before he came on board. It was barely a week before the Muhurtham date that Kalyan garu showed interest in the project. Trivikram garu had gone to tell him that he and my father will be producing the film. Kalyan garu immediately said that he too will join the project. I was pleasantly shocked. It was an emotional moment for me.

Why has he not done a guest role in the movie?

It's a big thing that he has produced the film. Expecting him to do a guest role would be greedy. Although he is not physically present in the movie, Kalyan garu is there in some other ways. I have not imitated him though.

Doesn't Pawan Kalyan favour you more than other fans?

He interacts with so many fans. Since I am a film hero, I have greater access to him. He supports many fans both financially and organizationally.

Would you support Jana Sena's politics?

Kalyan garu's intentions are very good. I hope he will bring a change. It would be good for the society.

How come your bonding with Trivikram Srinivas has grown so strong in just two years?

It depends on the journey. Don't we fall in love with a girl in just one minute? It's all about the connect.

You must have felt very bad when 'Agnyaathavaasi' failed. Isn't it?

The hype had been too much before its release. I have watched the film and, as a fan, I didn't find it that bad. But I was very down on the day the film released and got negative feedback. I swear it took me time to come out of it.

Coming back to you, how do you see 'LIE' failing badly?

There are some faults in the movie but it didn't deserve to be such a big failure. It's too intelligent a film. Also, it released on the wrong date. There was a time when I could afford 5-6 flops in a row. But now, the competition is so huge that I have to give a hit every year.

What about your marriage? We heard you have fallen in love. Is it true?

I am being chided every day at home to get married. It's a false rumour that I am in love. I am 35, single and ready to mingle.

Why did it take so long for you to team up with Dil Raju?

It was in 2003 that 'Dil' was released. We have tried to reunite many times. On some occasions, things didn't work out because of some people tried to create a rift between us. Besides 'Srinivasa Kalyanam', there is another movie in his production. It will be directed by Harish Shankar.

Tell us about your upcoming movies.

'Srinivasa Kalyanam' will mostly hit the screens on July 24, the 'Fidaa' date. I am going to do a film with Harish Shankar. He is the only director who has offered a multi-starrer to me. This film will go on the floors in either June or July. I am also committed to doing a film with Venky Kudumula (of 'Chalo' fame).