Naga Chaitanya gets candid with IndiaGlitz. Saying that 'Premam' is an adaptation in its own right, the Akkineni actor talks about how he approached the three characters, how Nag reacted when he told him about his love for Samantha and more.

Whenever a remake happens, comparisons are invariably drawn. Are you apprehensive about that?

'Premam' (Malayalam) is a cult classic. We never set out with the intention that it should be bettered, its performance should be excelled, etc. We have made an adaptation that suits the Telugu sensibilities. Although comparisons are being made now, the audience will see the point after the release.

Was Chandoo the first choice when it was intended to do the remake?

Chandoo had approached dad to do a film with him. (Factoid: Chandoo has been a die-hard fan of Nagarjuna ever since he watched 'Shiva'). Since dad asked me to wait, I asked him to be on my side. After having many conversations with him in a course of two months, I discovered his vast potential to think out-of-box.

I proposed that he wield the megaphone for the remake. But Chandoo was apprehensive after watching the original. After 7-10 days or so, he was convinced about the idea of directing a remake which is adapted to Telugu sensibilities.

Does this mean that this is not a faithful remake?

Mollywood movies are narrated at their own pace, unlike Telugu movies which ought to be crisp. Besides run-time, we have tweaked the main twist. The twist comes with Chandoo's flavour. Also, the love stories have been adapted to our geography.

What is the biggest takeaway as far as you are concerned?

This is the first time that I got to play a character with three shades. The most challenging get-up is that of the teenager's. I had to come down in weight, had to shave clean, had to change my body language. I sat down with Chandoo to discuss the detailing. I watched Cartoon Network and observed the behaviour pattern of children. I worked hard the most for it. The second and third characters are straightforward.

Looks like you established a keen connect with the emotions.

I got connected to the main point. I liked the idea of how different experiences mature a person in due course of time. We grow up as human beings. Whether it's the silliness of the teenager, the rebelliousness of the adult or the matured comportment of the professional (third character), I got connected to everything of that. It was personal at some levels.

What is unique about Shruti Haasan, Anupama and Madonna? Who do you think is the best?

They are as much a support as I am to the movie. They are the main reasons why the film has come out so well. I can't choose one as the best. They can't be compared, just as the three love stories can't be compared. Each love story has a certain flavour, emotion and message to tell.

In parallel, 'Premam' is happening in your own life.

(Smiles). It was dad to whom I talked about my love for Samantha. He felt very happy. His expression was like, 'I knew that. You are telling what I already know'. Our engagement and marriage will be held next year. Akhil's marriage will be held before mine. I'm pleasantly surprised over his guts to marry at a young age. Akhil told dad and me about his love on the same day. On personal front, my 'premam' is a big hit. I am waiting for the movie's result.

Having been in love, what is your definition of love?

To me, love is everything. I can't think of living without it happily. Only when it's there in my life do things happen smoothly for me.

Ever since the teaser was out, 'Premam' has been trolled on social media. Your comments?

I didn't expect this at all. There is nothing new about remakes happening. Others have remade Telugu movies in the past. I have conveyed that it was never our intention to better the original.

You have had a rather bleak track record with respect to action movies. What is going wrong?

Action movies haven't been encouraging in my case. Nevertheless, this is my favourite genre. I will do a realistic action movie sooner than later.

It was decided that 'Sahasam Swasaga Sagipo' and 'Premam' will be released on the same day. You immediately set the record straight. What had transpired, actually?

It was a thing of miscommunication. Two of my films can't be released on the same day. I wouldn't have let it happen. 'SSS' will be released simultaneously in both Telugu and Tamil.

What are your up-and-coming movies?

After 'SSS', I am doing Kalyan Krishna and Krishna's movie. They are a romantic entertainer in a village and city backdrop and a thriller, respectively. The film with Mohankrishna Indraganti will be there in 2017.

We have heard that you and Samantha are acting in the remake of '2 States'. How true is this?

I have read about that. There is no truth in it. But I will act in the remake if it comes my way. I have really liked the original.