Raai Laxmi awaits the release of 'Where is Venkatalakshmi' soon. In this interview, she talks about the film, why she enjoyed doing it, doing special songs with Chiranjeevi and Pawan Kalyan in the past, her upcoming films and more.

About 'Where Is Venkatalakshmi'

It's an out-and-out comedy. It's a light-hearted film where you will see characters searching for something or the other. There are thrilling and hilarious moments in their multiple searches. After horror films became the big thing, there have been fewer comedies. This film is different because it's a full-on comedy. There is also suspense factor written all over the script.

Character in the film

Venkatalakshmi is a school teacher. She is sexy and homely at once, much like Sushmita Sen in 'Main Hoon Naa'. She is glamorous and entertaining. She comes to live in Amalapuram. It was a great experience shooting there. It was a new team and it was like working with friends. It was a fun experience with the director. He got the best out of me. The songs of the movie are different. 'Papa neekedante ishtam' is my favourite song. I literally snatched the song. Someone else was supposed to do it.

That's why break from Tollywood

I wanted to wait for a big break in Telugu, which is a huge industry. I knew I shouldn't do a film doing which I will regret later. Even if you are not part of a successful film, you should at least get some recognition. Because good films keep coming to me in Tamil, I continued there. 'Adhinayakudu' (Balakrishna-starrer) had a great story but the wrong timing of release affected it badly. Whenever I had the opportunity to make my presence felt in Telugu, I grabbed it.

Special songs are always special to me

I am chilled about special songs. We have to go with the generation. Of late, everyone is doing special songs. When Bollywoodians do item songs, people are okay with it. But only here do some people seem to have a problem. The 'Khaidi No. 150' song and the song with Pawan Kalyan garu were special to me. They worked very well for me. The problem is that everyone wants to cast you in such songs because one song became a big hit. The song with Chiranjeevi garu was a one-of-its-kind experience. It happened overnight. Wherever I travel in the Telugu States, people call me Rathalu (after the song).

Bollywood has a different culture

I am getting offers in Bollywood but they are offering me the same kind of roles after 'Julie-2'. I don't want to be typecast. South offers me a wider range. In Bollywood, even a recognized actor has to audition for every role. It becomes a prolonged process. Only a few directors in Bollywood are confident and skip the audition process.

Me Too campaign

I thought that the campaign will lead to some results. But it became more of a revengeful act. I wouldn't say all the stories were untrue. Some individuals came on TV and social media to become famous. There were some cases where it was impossible to know whether what some people were telling the truth. If it's so difficult for us in the industry to know, imagine the outsiders who have no connection with the industry.

Upcoming movies

I am doing three Tamil films right now. A Kannada film is also happening. I will announce new films once these are done with.