Gopichand awaits the release of 'Pantham' this July 5. Directed by debutant K Chakravarthy, the film has Mehreen as the heroine. In this interview, Gopichand talks about what drew him towards the film, its dialogues, feeling nervous, his upcoming movies and more.

Does the film talk about any specific problem? Did you choose it only because you wanted to do a message-oriented film as your 25th outing?

In 'Pantham', we have talked about a key issue in the society to the extent we know. By the time the film is over, the audience will feel for the issue and would like to resolve it. I didn't choose this subject because it's my 25th film. I came to know only later that it's my 25th film, long after listening to the story and okaying the project. I am happy that I have done a film like 'Pantham' as my 25th outing.

Do you do movies like 'Pantham' because of the influence of your father in formative years?

So many have asked me as to why I have not done powerful subjects like my father (late director T Krishna). I used to tell them I never found such a story. Finally, 'Pantham' is like a T Krishna movie. But it's not a full-fledged revolutionary subject. A social cause has been dealt with. Cinema is a powerful medium. I believe that saying something good through a film will have an impact. I play a character who wants everyone to be happy. He likes to fight the problems around him in his own way.

The film seems to have some punch dialouges. What can we expect?

The dialogues are by Ramesh Reddy and Srikanth. When I first listened to the story, it was along with the dialogue version. In the second half, there are really powerful dialogues. You have seen it in the teaser and the trailer. There are so many such dialogues in the movie. I had for long wanted such dialogues. I have enjoyed playing the role.

Are you tensed before the release of the movie?

All the 25 films that I have done are good. Leaving aside successes and failures, I have always done films with the right kind of stories. But some of them didn't work out because of faulty execution, perhaps. But tension is always there ahead of the release of every movie.

How was it working with newcomer K Chakravarthy?

Once Chakri was done with narrating the story, the first question I asked him is whether he can translate his script into as good a film. He told me he can't say that unless I give him a chance to direct the movie. I can say that he has executed the subject the way he had narrated the story to me. Prasad Murella garu's cinematographic experience has come in handy for that.

How was it working with producer KK Radhamohan?

It was Sridhar garu who took me to KK Radhamohan garu. He too had his reservations because Chakri is a new director. I asked him to listen to the story first. With him liking the story, he fixed a budget. He is happy as a producer. He is a transparent man. He keeps his words. He is a gentleman.

What are your upcoming movies? Aren't you supposed to do Sampath Nandi's movie?

I am going to do a film with producer BVSN Prasad garu. Kumar is the director. It's a love story. As for Sampath Nandi, I am ready to work with him anytime. Talks are going on.