Sai Dharam Tej awaits the release of 'Inttelligent' on Feb 9. In this interview, he talks about the film, his character, working with Vinayak, why he wouldn't comment on Regina Cassandra, and more.

What is your character in the movie?

I have played a software engineer who doesn't like to come out of his comfort zone. But due to circumstances, friends, parents and teachers, he has to come out of it. How intelligently he behaves when he does that, how he overcomes the obstacles in his path is what builds up the character. The entire basis of the story is this build-up. There is an underlying message that the movie delivers. It's that one shouldn't forget those who help us. One has to stand up for them when needed.

Four films of yours have flopped in a row. What are your expectations from 'Inttelligent'?

We do every film expecting the most from it. I put in my efforts. The results are not in my hands. I listen to feedback. 'Inttelligent' is a full-on commercial movie. I was entertained while listening to the story. And I hope the audience will go through the same experience.

Working with Vinayak must have been a dream come true. Tell us about your association with him.

When I got a call from him, I went to him expecting nothing. But when he told me he will direct in a film, I was surprised. On the first day of shooting, I couldn't believe if it was real! I got to work with him after he delivered a blockbuster with Chiranjeevi garu. I thank him for choosing to work with him after my four flops. He not only gave me a nice role but also made me comfortable. There is a smile on his face. One feels quite cool in his presence. I could focus on my shot and dialogues due to this.

So, did you do this movie because of Vinayak?

Yes. And I also loved the story. No matter what is the combination, the story has to be good. He is immensely experienced. He has turned Akula Shiva's story into a thorough entertainer.

Is there a mind game in 'Inttelligent'? Who is the most intelligent person in your life?

Yes and the movie is mostly entertaining. There is lots of comedy. The title is character-based. How the hero intelligently stages an escape is to be seen in the film. I did no homework for this role. All my gurus are intelligent!

How was it working with Lavanya Tripathi?

She has a sense of humour. That helped with comedy scenes. She is a dedicated actress. Her offscreen jokes are enjoyable!

What went wrong with films like 'Jawaan'?

I have tried to analyze my mistakes. Somehow, the audience didn't like the way the story was told in these films. Any film is a collective effort. I really loved the concept of 'Jawaan'. The villain lives in the hero's house. It's a good idea but it couldn't be translated properly. A director works as per his vision. I never interfere.

I have never consciously chosen a particular path. I have done stories that I fell in love with. I can't decide what kind of films should come to me. Rajendra Prasad garu once said that it's better to use the opportunities at hand in the best way possible rather than wait for certain kind of opportunities.

Vinayak has said you are like Chiranjeevi as well as Pawan Kalyan in some scenes. Why was Megastar not there at the pre-release event?

He felt that I can look like my Mavayyas. He wanted to make the best utilization of it. The cowboy look, etc are restricted to the songs. My uncles are yet to watch the movie.

My uncles can't make it to my events every time. They have time constraints. Their support is always there. I was bowled over by the crowds at the Rajahmundry event.

There are reports that the budget has overshot. Is it true?

C Kalyan garu wanted to ensure rich visuals. The audience should feel nice at the end of the day. But all the budget was as per requirement.

Do remixes unnerve you?

Every time I do a remix, it's the director's calling. I never ask them to keep a remix for me. I feel that doing a remix is a responsibility. I shouldn't disappoint anybody.

Balakrishna and Prabhas have come out of their way to bless the film. Your comments.

I am thankful to them. Despite their stardom, they were there to release the teaser and a song. Balakrishna garu has respect for Mega fans. I felt happy. Young generation stars have to learn from him. Prabhas anna, who has delivered the biggest hit, was sweet. He encouraged our team.

What about the competition with Varun Tej's 'Tholi Prema'?

We both discuss it. We couldn't do anything as everything is in the hands of the producers. I feel it will be great if we both score a hit on the same weekend. There is no competition.

It's said that your friend, Regina Cassandra, fell in love with a hero. What do you have to say?

It's her personal life. I am close to her but it's not right to comment on anything about her personal life.