Ravi Teja's 'Touch Chesi Chudu' will hit the screens on Feb 2. In this interview, the Mass Maharaja talks about the film, experience of working with his co-stars and director, why he stopped experimenting, what he wants to do hin future, and more.

You have played a cop in a few of your previous films. How different is the character in 'Touch Chesi Chudu'?

In the past, I have played serious-type cops. The fun quotient in 'TCC' is more. He is more sarcastic. He is serious yet also funny. He is a tough and duty-minded cop. That said, I wouldn't do any comparisons.

How was it working with Vikram Sirikonda?

He has dealt with the story in the right way. Although he is a debutant, he has got hands-on experience in the craft, having worked with the likes of Vinayak. His conviction and confidence are great. I have known him since the days of 'Mirapakay'.

How did this film fall into place?

Vikram happened to narrate a story to me. But after that, Vakkantham Vamsi came up with this story. Producer Bujji decided to go with this one. We too liked it. 'TCC' is a different film. I enjoyed the whole process of doing it. Where there is clarity, there is enjoyment.

Can we expect punchlines from you in 'TCC'? We heard that Raashi Khanna and Seerat Kapoor have also played very interesting roles. Tell us about them.

Yes, definitely. And the punchlines are in Vikram's style. Seerat has played a dominating character. She is ultra-modern, a city-bred girl in the movie. Raashi's character comes with a tinge of sarcasm. She has done a fabulous job. Her character is more entertaining than the ones she played in the past.

The music by JAM8 is simply amazing. Mani Sharma garu has done the BGM. He is a master in that. I don't have to say anything more.

You are playing the same 25-year-old guy in film after film. Why are your writers not raising the age of your characters?

Age is just a number. It's all about how you are in your mind and at your heart.

You have always played the same hyper-energetic characters with some exceptions. Don't you think it's not challenging enough?

I went in search of challenges and burnt my fingers. What happened when I did experimental films like 'Naa Autograph', 'Neninthe', 'Shambo Shiva Shambo'? Had they worked, I would have experimented more.

But commercial films have worked for me more. I want to entertain people. There is no risk of repetition in this. It's because every director has got a style of his own. Puri Jagannadh, Anil Ravipudi, Vikram - these are all different from each other.

That said, I am going to experiment in future. I have listened to a few scripts. The audience's mindset is changing.

Now that the market for Telugu stars is increasing, do you want to debut in other languages, especially Hindi?

Thanks to Rajamouli, the stature of Telugu cinema has raised. If I get the right opportunity, I will definitely debut in Hindi. I know the language. As an Amitabh Bachchan fan, I know it well. When I was to Darjeeling to shoot for 'Raja The Great', I came to know how popular Telugu films dubbed in Hindi are. I never knew they have such wide viewership. It's single screen audiences who are the majority. One has to cater to them.

When are you doing multi-linguals and multi-starrers?

I don't generally plan things. They have to happen as a flow. Also, there have been no multi-starrers barring a few exceptions. They may start happening from now.

What made you go on a sabbatical recently?

It was not planned. Actually, it was a one-year gap which ended up being a two-year hiatus. I didn't find the right scripts. But the gap helped me. I got to visit so many places and catch up on TV series like 'Game Of Thrones' and 'House Of Cards'. So, I am not feeling bad about the gap.

I am doing films in a row now. It's only because I have found the right scripts.

Are you doing a film with Srinu Vaitla only because you want to support him when he is down?

Support ah?! Enduku vachina godava! I am no one to do that. Hit or flop is secondary. I am doing the film with him only because I loved the story. I will do a film with Puri Jagannadh next year, most probably. I am busy with my projects, and he is busy with his.

As a senior actor, what changes do you notice in the industry over the years? How do you bond with other actors in the industry?

People are coming up with very good ideas. They are more clear now. They are also quite fast. We are going to see much better stuff 3-4 years down the line.

I am a friend of all. I have no problem with anybody. We appreciate each other when someone does good work.

Your son debuted in 'Raja The Great'. Are you going to make him a hero when he comes of age?

I didn't introduce him. Anil Ravipudi did that. Many complimented that he did a better job than me in the film. It's too early to talk about his debut as a hero. He is just 10.