Nithiin is hopeful that 'LIE' will ensure an image makeover. The small-time cook of 'A Aa' is a stylish, 'bindaas' guy in Hanu Raghavapudi's film. In this interview, the hero talks about his character, what is in store in the August 11th release, being Pawan Kalyan's fan, and more.

From confusion to clarity:

I was confused as to what kind of movie to do after 'A Aa'. It's then that someone suggested to me that I shouldn't do a soft movie once again. It's then that I got some clarity. When Hanu Raghavapudi narrated the story for 30 minutes, I was excited.

An awara guy:

I am playing an awara kind of guy. He wants to go to the US and settle down by marrying a rich white girl. His dollar dreams take him to the US.

The action in the film is not of mass, but of the class variety. I did homework in action for two weeks, by training in Bangkok.

Sustaining success:

I am more conscious now of sustaining success. There was a time when I used to have flops and there was nothing much to lose. People do tell me to keep doing more and more films to cash in on the success of 'A Aa'. But I want to be clear first before I do anything.

Stylized presentation:

We are very happy with the way the songs and the Trailer have been received. I am eagerly waiting for the audience's reaction. From the beginning, a Hollywoodish look was consciously sought after for the movie. The get-ups, the artistes, everything was meant to be stylized. When you see the movie, you will wonder if it's the same director who made 'Andala Rakshasi' and 'KVPG' who has done it.

We speak lies:

The romantic track involving the hero and heroine is new. They don't mean what they say. When she says 'I love you', she actually means to say 'I hate you'. Yet, it causes no confusion. The leads have been given properly. Even a layman can understand it. My character and Megha Akash's represent the 'L' (love) part of the title.

There is a nice humour quotient as well. Madhu Nandan's character is rib-tickling.

After the audience walks out of the theatre, he will feel that he just watched a fresh movie.

It was Gautham Menon garu who showed me Megha Akash's profile. I felt she is good and suggested her name to the director.

A costly US schedule:

I will be seen in a clean-shaven look in only one scene. We worked on the look and the costumes for 4-5 months. The director and the producer went to the US to do a recee in each state to choose the best locations.

I should thank my producers for not compromising anywhere on the locations. Hats off to their planning. Every location in which we shot in the US is very expensive. We shot in a huge casino, which was refused to us. We paid Rs. 25 lakhs for 6 hours. In the climax fight, Rs. 8 lakh per day was spent on a location with 100s of flights.

Arjun & Mani, crucial for 'LIE':

It was very comfortable to work with Arjun garu. I developed a certain comfort level even while working on 'Sri Anjaneyam'. But for him, the film wouldn't have come out so very well.

Mani Sharma garu's songs are great. His RR is Hollywoodish. He did that so fast. He is a legend.

Pawan Kalyan's fan always:

You will see his influence on me in this film, too. It's never conscious. My admiration towards him just comes out without my knowledge. It's my love.. Anthe... People used to think that I was using his image before 'A Aa'. But that's hardly true. Yes, I couldn't speak about him at the pre-release function. It's because I was nervous.