Ahead of the release of 'Sammohanam' on June 15, Sudheer Babu says that the film is a slice-of-life story. In this interview, he talks about the experience of working on the film, and more.

Your previous attempt to work with Mohankrishna Indraganti had failed. How did this film fall into place?

Indraganti garu and I were to team up after the release of my debut film 'SMS'. It was to be written by Avasarala Srinivas. But the project didn't take off. It was later made as 'Oohalu Gusagusalade'. As for 'Sammohanam', I just went to the director after getting a call from him. That's how it happened.

Can we say that 'Sammohanam' is way too intense?

It's a realistic and true-to-life film. I took it up as a challenge. Although I had done quite a few love stories in the past, doing this film was still thrilling, given its nature. Indraganti garu hadn't done an intense love story like this. 'Anthaku Mundu Aa Tarvata' was a different kind of movie. 'Sammohanam' is his first proper love story. It can't be compared even with 'Ye Maya Chesave'. There is fun, there is romance in the movie.

What's your character like in the movie? In what way will the commoner-celeb equations in the film be seen by the audience?

I have played Vijay, a children's book illustrator who is also idealistic. He has certain preconceived notions about film people. Aditi Rao Hydari has played a film star. Vijay comes to know how the film people live off screen. The film is not about clearing the notions that the audience have. In fact, the film discusses their notions.

We have seen Harish Shankar in the Trailer. We heard that there are also other guest appearances in the movie. Who are they?

Besides him, Tharun Bhascker and Avasarala Srinivas will also be seen. No hero has done a guest role in the movie.

Are you not worried about being looked as a non-action hero if you do films like 'Samanthakamani' and 'Sammohanam'?

It's not like you can act just with the body. As an illustrator in 'Sammohanam', I work with the pen, not the gun. I am doing realistic movies consciously. I am just choosing the best from the scripts that I am getting. As for proving myself as an actor, there is no defined measurement by which one can say I did it. It's up to the audience to judge me. I do every film whole-heartedly. When I am doing a scene, I try to remember my experiences and act accordingly.

Indraganti selected you for the role after watching you in 'Samanthakamani'. You must have been challenged by him in 'Sammohanam'. Isn't it?

There is a scene in the movie shot on a terrace. Vijay has to be seen as crying without shedding a tear. Such scenes were challenging.

How was it working with Aditi?

It was very convenient. As we both have prior experience, we would discuss the scenes. So, we would go to the sets every day with adequate preparation. Aditi knows the pronunciation of her lines so well. She has even dubbed for her role.

Why did you invite your friends to be with you on the sets of 'Sammohanam'?

Indraganti garu is someone who believes in seeing his actors in a good mood. He doesn't ask his cinematographer to be ready and then call the actor for the shot. He expects the situation on the sets to be pleasant. That's his style of working.

Your voice seems to have matured a lot. What's the reason?

I have been doing voice exercises.

What made you kickstart a production house?

I find that a lot of talented people fail to get an opportunity. There are lyricists, writers, choreographers, etc. I have been meeting such talented people as part of my banner.

What about the Pullela Gopichand biopic?

It will go on the floors in September. It's a challenging script. Praveen Sattaru garu wants me to know the heart of the person I am playing, not just his body language. I am going to be with Gopichand for some days to know what kind of a person he is.

What is your next movie? Can we expect to see you producing a movie with Mahesh as the hero?

My next movie will be my own production. It's a love story and 70 percent of it is done. I am introducing a new director named RS Naidu. It would be great if I produce a film in the combination of Mahesh and Indraganti garu.