Prabhu Deva awaits the release of 'Lakshmi' on August 24. In this interview, he talks about teaming up with director AL Vijay, the movie, him doing choreography for others, his next projects and more.

How did this project fall into place? What care did you take regarding casting?

Director AL Vijay didn't narrate the story to me in the beginning. He only told me that he wanted to do a dance film. I replied to him saying that a dace film should be of high standards. Having already made 'ABCD', the next dance drama should be different. I told Vijay that we should rope in national-level talent for the film. We roped in ten the best dancers from across the country. It was my suggestion that the film should be called 'Lakshmi', after the child's character. The film is her story.

Is it more about dance? Or is it an emotional story like 'Style', your film with Lawrence Raghava? Have you tried anything new in the movie?

The film is not just about dance. It's also about emotions. It's a story that takes place between a teacher and his disciple. I must say that this one is director Vijay's best movie ever. I have danced twice along with the child characters in the movie. I have danced to the 'tune' of dialogues! I think this is the first time ever that we are showing it in an Indian film.

Was it tough to be both a choreographer and an actor for 'Lakshmi'?

I haven't choreographed the dances for this movie. We roped in Paresh and Rooyal for the task. As for giving suggestions to other actors and the child dances, I only gave them insights as an actor.

It was recently reported that there will be a sequel to your movie 'Abhinetri'. What other projects are you doing as an actor or a director?

I am going to do 'Abhinetri-2' with Vijay. I feel very comfortable working with him. As individual personalities, we are so very different, though. It's not like I have stopped doing dance direction for others. I do it whenever I find some time. I am trying to do different kinds of movies. In 'Mercury', there were no dialogues. I am going to do a Kung Fu-based entertainer set in 1984. I will be seen as a serial killer in one of my next movies.

Are you watching Telugu movies at a time when your favourite dancer Chiranjeevi garu is back?

I do watch Telugu movies. I have always watched them. Telugu songs give me a lot of energy. I like the way movies here are made.

You are going to direct 'Dabanng-3'. Is it going to be radically different?

There won't be any changes to 'Dabanng-3'. In spirit, it will be much like the first two parts.