Vakkantham Vamsi says that he is happy that 'Naa Peru Surya' has been received well by the audience.  In this interview, catch him talk about the film's climax, run-time, his future plans, and more.  

How has the response been to 'NPS'?

It has been very good.  The general audience is enjoying the film totally.  It took many years for me realize my dream of turning a director.  When the teaser was released, the audience expected the entire film to be in the backdrop of the army.  When the film released, they came to know the truth.  The response has been great everywhere.  

Where did the inspiration for the story come from?

There is no inspiration as such.  It's fictional.  We all know that an army man is bound to be aggressive in thinking.  In 'NPS', every character has a dream.  They make several attempts to reach them.  When we start out, it's all pure.  But are we going to be pure till the end?  That's the question.  How important it's, is what the film tries to convey.  Anger is an aspect I added to the theme.  The army backdrop followed naturally.  There in the army, everybody has to abide by rules.  What if such a backdrop is related to one's personal life?  That's the idea.  

The family drama aspect is something the audience didn't expect to have a pride of place in the story.  Isn't it?

The father's character (played by Arjun Sarja) was not planned before.  But where would the 'kick' be if Surya were to go to a non-related person?  That's how I came to weigh the pros and cons of what will happen if the psychologist he has to go to, is his father.  It was Bunny Vas garu who felt that Arjun garu should play the father's character.   

Was the script written keeping Allu Arjun in mind?

As a writer, I started developing the story organically.  Once the story was fully developed and I started making trials for a directorial opportunity, I felt that Bunny would be apt for the story.  I met him and gave him a one-hour narration.  Only after he liked it did I develop the rest of the story.  I can't imagine anybody else but for Bunny as Surya.  He did his best not only acting-wise but also looks-wise.  

What is Bunny telling you after the release of 'NPS'?

He is very happy.  Every actor works towards maximizing job satisfaction.  We are aspirational.  In my case, I wanted to be a director after being a writer.  Similarly, Bunny was looking for a performance-oriented role when 'NPS' came his way.  

Many have felt that the climax of 'NPS' is weak.  Your take?

The problem around Anwar's character (played by Vikram Lagadapati) is much bigger than the problem called the villain (Sarathkumar as Challa).  In one of the initial scenes, Surya tells a terrorist that he would have killed the thought in him of becoming a terrorist had he met him before.  That's what the climax proves!  If you look at the film in a conventional sense, you are bound to criticize it.  

What have the army people said about 'NPS'?

They felt very happy.  They advised Bunny to enlist himself in the army.  He had done it already.  If concerned officials accept it, he will join as a honorary member.  

Do you think the run-time is lengthy?

I don't see it that way.  Even those minuscule section of audiences who have felt it's lengthy haven't been able to say where it's really a drag.  This is a mood-based film.  

What is the best appreciation you have got so far?

After watching 'NPS', Trivikram Srinivas garu called me up and told me that he never imagined that I would tell a serious story with such conviction.  Sukumar garu called me up and told me he got emotional while watching the movie.  

Writer Vamsi versus Director Vamsi.  Who do you like more?

The audience has to say it.  There are many who think that I have done better as a director.  It's not like I am going to stop writing for other directors.  When a writer becomes a director, he can execute his vision as he deems fit.  Nuanced emotions are something the writer may not be able to convey to his director.  There are second layers in every film.  There is every possibility that they are lost in translation.  When the writer and the director are the same person, he first thinks of a good story.  For example, Trivikram garu and Koratala garu.  

Weren't you supposed to do a film with NTR?

NTR garu is my favourite actor.  It was he who first told me he will turn me a director.  That's how it all started.  Although I had conceived a line for him, somehow it didn't go through.

What are your upcoming movies?

There are offers on the table.  As I said, I will also continue to write for other directors.