As NTR braces up for the release of 'Aravindha Sametha' this Oct 11, he talks about the film, what is special about it, working with Trivikram, why the film has a sentimental value for him, his next projects and more.  

Strong content 

The content is long and strong, much like the title.  We say 'Sathi samethanga randi' in Indian culture.  That's why the title of this film.  When we chose the title, we were not bothered about how the audience might receive.  

No pressure on us

I and Trivikram don't have the pressure of delivering a hit.  We only wanted to deliver something we like.  I and Trivikram won't discuss the film from the perspective of box office success even after its release. We both believe that nothing should be pushed.  If there is a push, it would be a struggle.  Everything is designed.  We only have to walk towards it.

Genuine Seema slang

We have listened to Rayalaseema slang in many films.  But they are exaggerated often.  I have understood the proper slang when I started interacting with Penchal Das garu.  

Director vs Hero

The relationship between a hero and a director is like between husband and wife.  It's the director who is the first audience. Acting, etc are all from the director's perspective. Coming to 'AS', I am a part of Trivikram's journey.  He is not part of my journey.  All the terrific characters in the film are a part of the director's journey.  

Faction movie with a difference

There have been a number of factionist films.  Our film is another take on factionalism. Violence is just one of the Navarasas.  It's not necessary that violence has to be the mainstay of a film.  If there is an underlying message, it's good.  This is the kind of cinema that one has to experience.  I was a changed person already when 'AS' came to me. That's why I connected to it.  

The film will influence the audience to an extent.  People will definitely think.  This is not the only film out there.  

Growing abs under trainer

The director wanted me to be fit.  I didn't know what he meant by that.  I pushed a little more to push myself.  

No reason why I call him 'Swamy'

There is no story behind why I address Trivikram as 'Swamy'.  It just happened one day and I have stuck with it since.  I listen to his long monologues from the books that he reads.  

No goals

I have no goals.  When I was a school kid, I was intent on just finding my way out of the school.  Then I wanted to score hits.  Then this too changed.  Goals keep changing.  

Flops don't matter

I don't believe that a person has to be written off just because of a flop.  It's a journey.  I have seen the bitter side of my career.  Nobody is immune to failure.  Both I and Trivikram have faced pressure.  Despite the pressure, we have been very positive.  Trivikram didn't talk much during the pre-release function not because of 'Agnyaathavaasi' but because of what I and Kalyan Ram anna have been through.

Life is impermanent

Our lives are transient.  It's fleeting.  My father used to always say that we are not immune to impermanence.  That said, we have to move on.  We have families.  I am not in a state of denial.  I am trying to unload what I have been going through.  

Co-incidence in 'Aravindha Sametha'

Even in 'Nannaku Prematho', I never lit father's funeral pyre.  For the first time, I did it in a film - in 'Aravindha Sametha'.  The scene was conceived before my father died. I shot for 'Peniviti' after my father passed away. It's a very personal song.  Every human will relate to it.  This song comes with Trivikram's signature.  Lyrics rendered by a woman are sung by a man here.  

That's what I am looking for

When I did 'Temper', I never knew before that I would do a film like that.  Same goes with 'Nannaku Prematho' and a few others.  We always try to do something more.  Man lives with hopes.  I am going with the flow.  

What's a typical NTR film? 

When I did 'Nannaku Prematho', many felt I was a revelation. That's what I am looking for.  A film's success is based on a mass' opinion.  

Dancing subsumed by acting

I am not a dancer.  I am an actor.  Dancing is a part of acting.  A song has to take the story forward.  A song shouldn't always be an item. Nowadays, we are going back to our roots.  

Social media is growth

Social media is growth.  How much it's going to affect you is your personal choice.  It has happened because people have wanted it.  They have chosen this growth.  You have to find a way to deal with the negativity.  

Every day is a bonus

I am very content.  Every day I wake up, I think the day is a bonus for me.  That's how I see it.  When I did my first movie, I did it for my mom.  I was not sure if I will stand a second chance.  

Upcoming projects

I am excited about the film with Rajamouli.  The project with Atlee is not confirmed at all. Yes, I have signed up to do a movie with Ashwini Dutt garu.  As for 'Bigg Boss-3', it's too early to talk about it.  Basically, everything depends on the schedules for Rajamouli's movie.